Not much of anything

I've been somewhat absent lately from my blog, and it makes me sad. I've been very busy these days! I need to try and get on a schedule of some sort and make myself write...and put some thought into what I want to write about. I see all these awesome blogs on pinterest and wish I could be as creative and consistent...but I just don't get how these bloggers are so dedicated and produce such entertaining reading weekly..some even daily! I know some ppl do it as a full time job...but still! Oh well.

I'm thankful it is labor day weekend and that I have off work tomorrow. Not sure how I'm going to spend it yet...might go on a date with my dad. (yes I'm 25 and still do things like that...my father is amazing and loves me so.)

One last random thought, I love xfm radio and you should too. Listening to a new coheed and cambria song and it is rockin! My brother, joey, would be proud!

Xfm.co.uk ----> use postal code WC2H 7LA to listen here in the states (or outside the uk).


-LAM x x

Saturdays

I'm pretty sure Saturday mornings are one of my favorite moments of the entire week. Kyle and I usually get up around 8:00 (sometimes earlier) and always have an extra special breakfast - whether than means we go out to eat or make something yummy here at the house.

I love spending time with Kyle knowing we don't have to bolt out the door within the hour to head to work. That is one of the things that I've really had to adjust to, our new work schedules. At Asbury, I had the privilege of living 2 minutes walking distance from my workplace. Kyle worked in the same building as me, and I got to see him every day throughout the day when he'd come visit me often. Now, we both drive to work in two different areas of town. It's weird, but actually very normal for the rest of the world! ha. We were so spoiled at ATS!

Anyways, by now we are both feeling more settled in our jobs and home. And for that, I'm thankful. It's never easy making a new transition, but it sure has helped that our families are here for this one. We do miss our friends very, very much though.

Last weekend we went to the Florida Aquarium, which was so much fun. We had both been there in the past, but it's been a while. It was neat to see a lot of the fish that Kyle dreams of catching (and sometimes does catch - maybe just not as big!) when he goes fishing here in FL.

Last night we watched the opening ceremonies for the Olympics at my parents house. It was spectacular - and I loved that my parents stayed up with us to watch the entire thing. :-) They're great and I love them.

I just recently had a birthday (25th!) and Kyle got me the greatest present ever - tickets to see Florence and the Machine in Tampa! It's not until September, but it's totally worth the wait!

Also, our 3rd wedding anniversary is coming up next week (August 1st), and we are going to be whisking away for the weekend at a Bed and Breakfast in Mt. Dora! I'm really looking forward to that. Our anniversary actually falls on a Wednesday, which is when Kyle usually has band rehearsal - so we decided we'd go to Chick-fil-a for dinner since we wouldn't have time for a nicer meal. How appropriate, right?! ;-)

Support Chick-fil-a on August 1st!!!! Google it to find out why, if you're out of the loop.

Well, Saturday is waiting for us to enjoy it to the fullest...so I better get going! Happy weekend!

Things I wish you knew

Things I wish you knew: You really are beautiful. Jesus loves you. Jesus has never left or forsaken you. He sees your brokenness - physical and emotional. He sees your pain. You are not - and can never be - beyond repair. He wants to heal you. He wants you. You're already free, you just don't know it yet... You are worth far more than rubies in His heart, the only one that matters. You really do deserve to be treated with love and respect. Only Jesus satisfies. He desires you to let Him in. He is kind. And good. No matter what you've done, past present future, His grace covers all. He forgives and make all things new. He wants to make you new. Love has a hold on you that will never let go. His grip only becomes stronger, no matter how hard you resist. He will not relent until his beloved child comes home. He won't give up on you. Do you realize that? Let the Person of Love in...and come home. His patient heart awaits your return.

Just a Head's Up

Kyle and I decided to start a joint blog, which can be found at themullettmigration.wordpress.com

It was created mainly for our new church home and for our beloved friends here in Wilmore to keep up to speed with our lives as we leave Wilmore, KY and begin our new journey in Clearwater, FL.

I don't plan on stopping this blog, since it is my personal one and writing is therapeutic for me. But I'm in the process of figuring out how to keep the two blogs separate but interesting. :-)

Moving back home

We are moving back home to our beautiful, sunny (read: hot) Clearwater, FL home in 3 weeks! We are super excited, but also sad at the same time. Wilmore has truly become a 2nd home to us. The relationships we have built here are what will make it the hardest to leave.

I like lists (probably too much - hehe), so I decided to make a list of things I am excited about with this move. I plan on also following up with a "things I am going to miss" list. But for now, here's the stuff that makes me excited!

Being near our families
Having a dishwasher in our apt
Having a washer and dryer in our apt
Having momma help me move into our new place (she didn't get to when we moved to our first home here in KY)
Living 1 minute driving distance from Chick-fil-a
Being able to shop at Publix Grocery stores
Living 15 minutes from Clearwater Beach
Becoming part of a new church family
Starting a new job (excited and a little nervous - naturally)
Buying a new couch (we've been married for almost three years and have yet to buy a new piece of furniture!)
Living semi close to where the Lyells vacation in Florida
Being able to watch my niece and nephew grow up
Eating Monday night dinners with my family
Sunsets on Pier 60
Being able to see Kayla and Bart's new precious bundle of joy
Spending time with Kayla and getting my hair cut by her again!
Going out on the boat with Mike and Mary
Afternoon thunderstorms
Going to Panera and shopping with momma
Going on dates with daddy
Grilling out on the big green egg with Kyle's family
Concerts at Coachman Park
Laughing and being ridiculous with my sister

That's probably enough for now! haha!

P.U. You stink!

So, a couple of weeks ago at book club (where we don't read books), us girls all got to talking about cosmetics and foods and how nothing really seems safe to use or ingest these days. American companies don't seem to care too much about the long term health of its citizens/customers...just how much they can grow their wallets. It was quite overwhelming to be honest, but it really got me to thinking a lot more about what I actually choose to put on and in my body on a regular basis. I began reading labels on everything, not just food. It'll take baby steps and persistence to make healthy changes, but I'm willing - especially since this is a way to honor God with how I treat my body/temple. (My husband is getting on board too!)

One of the most controversial cosmetics is antiperspirants/deodorants. Biggest reason is because of the aluminum found in antiperspirants. Although research apparently doesn't show that there are any immediate adverse effects of aluminum on the body, it has been suspected as a link/cause to Alzheimer's and breast cancer. The health experts will tell you that it is perfectly safe to use antiperspirants, but I don't think I want to take that risk if I can help it... Yeah this is about to get personal haha!

So, the little researcher in me got on the Internet and found a recipe for homemade deodorant. I did use this Himalayan sea salt bar that Kyle had bought back in college. It worked, but stung really bad. I mean it was salt after all. :-) So I decided to try a different route.

One person that I read about on a blog just used straight up baking soda, so I tried that (you can put it on dry or mix a little with water in your palm to make a paste and just apply with hands or a makeup sponge). That prevented odor just as well, but it was kinda gritty and made my armpits itchy at times.

So I found this one recipe here: http://littlehouseinthesuburbs.com/2009/03/quick-stick-deodorant.html Which uses only four natural ingredients (of which I only used three - I skipped out on the essential oil since they are so costly and I didn't think it was that necessary since the coconut oil would create a nice fragrance by itself.)

The only thing in it is baking soda, corn starch, and coconut oil!


I just made it yesterday and used it for the first time today. It seems to have worked just fine! Overall I just feel really good using something in which I know and understand what each ingredient is, and also that this was something I made right in my own kitchen!

I encourage you to start reading and researching the products that you use everyday and pick one or two things that you can change or try differently. It's quite amazing that a body wash or deodorant can have over 20 ingredients of which I can't even pronounce, but you can make something on your own that is much healthier for you in the long run and only uses three ingredients. It just feels so much better putting less junk on my body, knowing that it will serve the same purpose as the store bought factory produced stuff.

Wow. I'm totally turning into a hippy...

Alternative Solutions

Over the past couple days I have found my heart rather frustrated and angry at all the criticism that has sprung up around the Invisible Children video and their campaign to stop the crimes of Joseph Kony and the LRA in Africa. (If for some reason you have been living in another dimension and haven't seen or heard about the whole ordeal, just watch the video on my previous post.)

I have found myself in prayer about my feelings and know I'm in need of God's wisdom in all of this...but I just have to get some thoughts out. Writing is therapeutic to me and helps me wrap my head around what's going on in my heart and outside of it. (haha that was so cheesy)

Keep in mind, you are not obligated to read this. ;-)

Some people just like to stir up controversy and prove a point just because they can and no other reason beyond that. I accept that. The internet gives everyone freedom to say what they want.

But some people criticize because they truly believe that Invisible Children is not the best place to invest your money or support. Some people criticize because they think that military intervention is not the right solution, and are concerned that people spreading the video and IC platform aren't fully aware of what they are promoting. (Side note - Personally, I think people need to have more faith in our youth and their ability to reason and think critically.) Some people criticize because they think it's all a gimmick and that simple awareness doesn't solve anything. (Is not awareness a catalyst that brings about a real change/solution? - you can't solve a problem if no one knows or cares about it...) Alot of people are just annoyed that it's another "internet fad" that will die down and a majority of the people supporting it will forget about it in a week. (While that may be true for many - it is not true for every person who watched/talked about/spread the IC video and campaign.) Videos/information going viral is nothing new, and that's fine if it annoys you. But instead of complaining about how your twitter feed is clogged up with Kony2012 hashtags, and essentially putting down the people who support the campaign, can't you at least try and offer something constructive and positive to the mix?

I could go on, but I really just want to say this - 

If you are one who takes any of the opposing stances to IC and what they seek to do with this campaign, then please offer a constructive alternative solution to go along with and support your claims and views! If you don't care or feel the need/responsibility to do that, then by all means, can you at least contribute to the cause in another way that you deem more appropriate than IC without creating a stink about it? If you don't feel the need/responsibility to act at all - then please just say no more about the matter and let the rest of us be concerned about it.

You can turn a blind eye to the whole thing, or you can join the movement in other constructive ways if you don't think IC is the way to go.

I don't have any problem with Invisible Children, the way they spend their money, and their tactics in bringing justice to Joseph Kony. Back in college (I believe in 2007), I along with many friends and students from my university participated in the Invisible Children Commute. It was the first time I learned of the conflict of the LRA in Uganda at the time, and I haven't forgotten about it since. Hundreds of us made the commute (some drove, but most walked there) to sleep (actually I don't think anyone slept...) outside on concrete steps in the middle of downtown Lynchburg, VA to make a statement, bring awareness to the issue, and take steps to bring about change (wrote letters to our congressman/senators). I am proud to see how far Invisible Children has come in their campaign, and I am proud to stand with them even now.

Here are a couple of other Organizations that I have looked at for an alternative to people that don't believe Invisible Children to be the best option.

Here's an opportunity for you to do your own research and contribute positively.



http://www.warchild.us/



http://www.childsoldierrelief.org/work/databases/

This one has an entire list of NGOs big and small that you can look into supporting.

_____________________________________________________________

Invisible Children's wesbite
http://s3.amazonaws.com/www.invisiblechildren.com/index.html

Invisible Children's Critiques to criticism
http://s3.amazonaws.com/www.invisiblechildren.com/critiques.html

Tell Everyone

Yes, this video is about a half hour - but just get over it and take the time to watch it. Then act! All it takes is a few clicks on your computer to share with the world.

For the children of Uganda.

For the world.

For Kyle

I love it when:

1. You stop by my office to see me throughout the day, even if it is only for 30 seconds
2. You put toothpaste on my toothbrush for me
3. You wash the dishes, do laundry, and clean up around the house
4. You randomly try to pinpoint where my belly button is 

5. You wake up with me in the mornings, even on days you don't have to be anywhere that early
6. You start doing that ridiculous thing you call rapping - the sound of it really does annoy me though. ;-)

7. You stop whatever it is you're doing to give me a hug and kiss when I come home for my break, or from work, or anytime you see me really.
8. You bring pretzel snacks to bed in your pockets - however, the time you made a whole ham sandwich takes the cake.
9. You beat me in UNO. Everytime.
10. You wear your "Green" outfit
11. You pray with me every night before going to bed - especially the times you pray for Noel cause you know how much that means to me.
12. You try and make the price of filling up our tank end up on $0.53 - my favorite number.
13. You talk to me in Cal Lightmans voice, love.
14. You get donuts from Fitch's for us on Saturday mornings
15. You handle and cook the chicken for me cause I don't like touching or cooking it.
16. You open doors for me and walk closest to the roadside - you have always been a proper gentleman
17. You watch Shaun the Sheep with me - meeehhhhhhhhh!
18. You let me take a bite of whatever you are eating.
19. You play Temple run. It's super cute at how proud you get of your new high scores.
20. You tell me I'm beautiful, so beautiful to you - even when I don't always accept it from you or believe it for myself.
21. You call me all kinds of silly names - i.e. goobersnatch, chinchburg, chewytooth etc.

I just love it when you are the love of my life - which, thankfully, is Always and Forever. 

I love everything about you, Kyle Daniel.

<3 - Your Laila Mae

The only thing I have

It's hard to carry a burden in your heart for people you cannot reach.

But When prayer becomes the only thing you have, The only means you have, You can't help but realize it's power and significance in the lives of those you are praying for.

We as Christians have the beautiful gift and freedom of being able to boldly approach our great High Priest at the throne of grace when we are in need (and even when we aren't!)...but how often are we bringing the needs of others before him? How often are we bringing their deepest need of salvation before the Savior?

If we have this freedom, should we not extend it on behalf of others who don't yet know it for themselves? 

When we intercede - pray intently for those who need Jesus - I believe our faith moves mountains, that the eye could never see, in a calloused, broken, lost, and seemingly hopeless heart.

An interceding prayer of faith so terrifies the Enemy, making him shudder and cower in fear when the name and blood of Jesus is claimed and proclaimed over a beloved soul who he thought would always be within his grasp...



I truly believe intentional, intercessory prayer is a catalyst that compels the Holy Spirit to begin His work in those He so deeply desires to rescue...






Loosen the grip of the Enemy today...




My brethren, the desire of my heart and my petition before God is on their behalf that they would have LIFE.  
-Romans 10:1

Wedding Photographers and their "Wack" prices

This photographers blog post is very enlightening and something every bride (heck, everyone in general) should be aware of! 

I've gotta a lot of love for my favorite photographer Stephanie Lyell (Stephanielyell.com) and in my opinion she charges way less than she should for the quality and dedication of her work. 

Sadly, I did not have her as my wedding photographer, but would have hired her in a heartbeat regardless of price if I knew her at the time of my wedding.

Read and learn something insightful today!


http://blog.nikkimaydayphotography.com/2012/01/26/why-wedding-photographers-prices-are-wack-erie-pa-wedding-photographer-response/ 

Why Wedding Photographers Prices are “Wack” | Erie PA Wedding Photographer Response

Posted on January 26, 2012 

Earlier today my friend and fellow photographer posted a link to a craigslist ad from a woman in Seattle looking for a wedding photographer.

The woman was upset because she thought that $3000 for a wedding photographer was “wack” because all we do “is hang out at a wedding taking tons of photos and editing them” and that we are “making so much money its crazy.”

I first read this post earlier today while I was running errands and my head almost EXPLODED.  I immediately started drafting a horribly mean and punishing response in my head, BUT by the time I got home, I realized that this is probably a common misconception and that maybe I should try to EXPLAIN why photographers charge what we / they do for our / their work.

Before I post my response, I want to THANK all of my brides who appreciate my work and think that I am worth the price. This response is not meant to offend anyone.  I understand many people are on a budget, especially in this economy and I understand planning a wedding is both expensive and overwhelming. I always try my best to work with my couples and offer customized and discounted packaging options for those who are on a tighter budget.

I just want to state AGAIN, that being a photographer doesn’t mean that we wake up in the morning, photograph a wedding for 8 hours and then go home and our job is done.  Those of us who are lucky enough to be able to support ourselves as full time photographers don’t just work as photographers.  We are also SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, which ALSO comes with the job of doing all of our own marketing, sales, accounting, scouting, art directing, managing our offices and studios, being our own webmasters, doing our own post production, designing, blogging, being students, being mentors, researching etc. etc. etc.

Sorry for the novel! Here was my response:

Dear Bride,

I am a wedding photographer in the Erie, PA area.  Wedding season only
last about 4 months here, so I photograph an average of 20 weddings
per year for an average of $2500 / wedding.  (which totals about
$50,000 / year).

- That being said, I am a small business owner, so I pay all of my
taxes, totaling about $15,000 / year which leaves me with a gross
income of around $35,000

- Of that $35,000 I pay $600/month in rent for my small house and
garage which I converted into my studio (which is where I would be
editing your wedding images at) $35,000 – $7,200 = 27,800.
- Then I have my car, which I would use to get me to and from your
wedding, which I pay $400/month for the lease, Plus $200/month in car
insurance = $7,200 = $20,600.
- To get to your (and my other brides) wedding consultation,
second wedding pre-consultation, the wedding itself, and to and from
the printers I need gas money = $840/year = $19,760
- I also have insurance in case you sue me, or if any of your drunk
guests would happen to break any of my equipment = $500 / year.  =
$19,260
- You also probably found me through my website, which I pay $30/month
for hosting, and another $30/ month so that you can view your photos
online and share the images with your friends and family =  $720 =
$18,540
- Or perhaps you found me through my advertisements in the newspaper
or local bridal magazines, OR a bridal show that you attended that I
paid to have a booth at $18,540 – $1,000 = $17,540
- I also pay for my own Health insurance in case I were to get hurt at
your wedding = $250/month = $14,540
- and I pay for a second shooter for your wedding, so that you can
have more images and different angles, as to make sure you get the best
images possible at your wedding = $200/wedding = $10,540
- I also need to have a new pair of shoes every season because my
shoes get worn out and dirty from season to season = $100/year =
$10,440
- I need high speed internet so I can upload all of your images
online, my home phone for my business and my cell phone so I can
communicate with you = $2,500 / year = $7,940
- Oh yes, and I also pay a lawyer to make sure my contracts are iron
clad and an accountant to make sure that I am paying all of the taxes
I need… = $500/year = $7,440
- Sometimes I attend workshops and seminars to teach me how to
better my business, and make my client happier (that would be you), as
well as keep up on the trends and learn new techniques so that I can
make sure you have the best quality images available.

That would technically leave me with about $7,000 / year to feed
myself, buy groceries, pay for my heat and electricity, cloth myself
etc…. BUT, usually I end up re-investing whatever I have left on
upgrades and new equipment:

During your wedding, I bring my professional equipment that I use so
that I can make sure you have the highest quality images.

- I have 2 Canon 5D Mark II cameras (because you always need a backup
in case of a camera malfunction which would ruin your big days
photographs) which cost $2500 / camera = $5000
-I also have quality lenses which can capture your special moments in
low light situations:
Canon 24-70 f2.8 lens = $1,200
Canon 70-200 f2.8 lens = $1,300
Canon 50mm f1.4 lens = $500
Canon 100mm f2.8 macro = $600
Canon 10-22mm f3.5 wide angle = $800
- and I have speed lights to catch the fun moments at your reception:
- 2 Canon 580EX II = $1,200
- Also multiple battery back ups and memory cards, lens filters, light
stands, umbrellas, light boxes, external battery packs and a bag to
carry everything in.  = $1,500
- Because this is equipment, sometimes I need to have it serviced or
cleaned to make sure it is all working properly = $200

After spending 8-10 hours at your wedding, I then come home to my home
office and spend about 20-25 hours editing your images, creating your
album, blogging about your wedding, posting pictures on facebook,
ordering you prints and burning your DVD’s

- I edit your photographs using a 27inch imac computer = $2500
- I edit your photographs on Adobe Lightroom = $200 and Adobe CS5 =
$400 (for the upgrade) and $900 for the new program.
- and I print your DVD’s on a printer which = $300
- Using ink = $200/year
- and I buy the DVD’s and jewel cases your getting printed =$300 / year
-I archive all of your photographs on 2 2TB external hard drives = $500
- And I also back up all of my photographs online so if there was ever
a fire in my office, you would never lose your photographs = $400/year
- I also have office expenses as far as buying paper, staples,
envelopes, packaging, filing cabinets and files, etc. etc. etc.
- I also spend time and money ordering your prints and albums, paying
for shipping, going to the post office etc.

All of that being said, I’m usually in the hole at the end of the
year, and take on many family portraits, senior portraits and corporate
jobs in order to make ends meet.

Photography is my passion and my livlihood, and it is also EXPENSIVE.
Yes, it seems like a lot of money for one day, but one day isn’t all
we spend on your photographs or on our business.  You will spend
thousands of dollars on a wedding dress or flowers or a venue or on
catering which you are going to have for only ONE DAY, but your
photographs will be the only thing you have to remember that ONE DAY
for the rest of your lives.

I’m extremely insulted by your craigslist post and hope this sheds a
little light on why we charge $3000 for one day of your memories which
are going to last you forever.

-Nikki Wagner, Photographer.

Politics Schmolitics

2008 was the first time I was eligible to vote in a Presidential Election. It was so exciting to me! I actually voted via mail-in ballot because I was in Virginia at the time and couldn't physically vote in Florida. Regardless, I felt like such an adult and true American!

But....

At the time, I honestly didn't know much about the candidates, except that Obama was a Democrat and John McCain was Republican. My vote was honestly based on who my parents were voting for.

Lame, I know...

and that is why I'm writing this post. I have realized this time around that to vote is a HUGE privilege, and I should take it more seriously.

Who I voted for back then is irrelevant because this post is really is not to discuss politics. I don't even know who I'm voting for yet in the primaries...but I can say that I'm doing my research. It is somewhat daunting and overwhelming, so I can understand why a lot of people just kind of ignore politics altogether and/or don't vote at all...but I think that is doing a great disservice to yourself and your country.

If you really think about it, the FREEDOM and privilege to vote is such a blessing and gift to the American people and one that is not available to many many citizens of countries around this world. This is a freedom many people can only hope of having one day - and one that many people may never have in their lifetime.

This year, I am not going to take this freedom for granted, and I challenge you to do the same.

Do some research and make your vote count!

http://www.2012presidentialelectionnews.com/whos-running-for-president-in-2012/

Unreal, Disturbing, and Hilarious

Why mothers subject their daughters to things like this, I have no idea.

At least this contestant is extra special? Oh so special indeed.

*If you don't laugh at first...just give it a day. Then you'll remember parts of this video when you're driving to work, doing laundry, taking a shower, washing dishes...and you'll find yourself chuckling if not bursting out in laughter. Just trust me, Honey Boo boo child.


Alana, Age 6, Best Beauty Pageant Kid, Ever - Watch More Funny Videos

Mistakes

Today as I was walking home from work, I contemplated about an aspect of my personality. It's not that abnormal, but I absolutely hate it when I make a mistake. It doesn't matter if its a tiny little goof up or a big one, I always feel so bad and embarrassed internally when I do something wrong.

No, I didn't have strict, demanding parents growing up. In fact I have the most amazing parents in the world if I do say so myself. So it's not like my home life made me that way. I simply don't know why it bothers me so much when I make mistakes.

 If you're wondering...I made a mistake at work today. Most mistakes are easily fixable and this one was. However, A small part of me tends to carry around this feeling of "I can't believe I did that" "i feel like an idiot" etc. long after things are corrected. And I often have a hard time of just letting it go and forgetting about it.

I'm just trying to figure out at what point in my life did I begin caring so much about trying to never mess up. And when I do mess up, when did i start really worrying about what people might think of me? Is this just something that is ingrained in my DNA? I don't really know how long I've been this way. So strange I tell ya.
I haven't a clue.

This is not the first time I've realized this about myself. I think it's good that I at least recognize it, so I can grow from it. My husband has been really good with helping me gain perspective in situations like these, and I am so thankful for his wisdom and gentle love and patience towards me. I don't really know why I chose to write about this. It is kind of weird and personal, and I don't really have any spiritual lesson or words of wisdom to go along with this. Maybe because I just don't know exactly what I am to learn from this yet.

Cling to this promise today:


He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” 

Revelation 21: 4-5