The Chaos Between Client Work and Supper Time

There is something to be said about being a mom, working a full-time job, and also running your own business. Today was one of those days where all three collided at once.

I had stepped away earlier in the afternoon to photograph a client. She was absolutely wonderful, but the session went a little longer than I had expected. By the time I wrapped up, I realized I had not eaten since breakfast, and it was already close to 4:30. I grabbed something quick to eat and jumped straight back into my day job.

Not the gentle transition I would have preferred.

I ended up on a call with a representative from work. This particular person loves to work and talk at the same time. Most of the time, we are actually pretty productive that way, so I do not mind it. What they could not see was the chaos unfolding around me.

At first, the kids were just coming in and out from outside. Normally, they would have been doing chores, but they were playing and happy, so I let it go.

Then my five-year-old ran past me and kissed my fourteen-year-old on the butt while walking through the living room.

Yes, the butt was covered by pants. Still. What?

I muted myself on the call and just stared for a second before asking what on earth had just happened. They ran back outside like nothing was unusual.

A few moments later, the same five-year-old came back inside screaming in agony. Apparently, my fourteen-year-old had been swinging him around, his hand slipped, and the five-year-old landed hard on the ground. Full meltdown.

Then came the next crisis.

My eight-year-old and eleven-year-old were suddenly causing all kinds of commotion because the cat was locked in the guinea pig room. That room is always locked specifically to keep the five-year-old out of it. The problem was that no one could find the key. They had no idea whether the guinea pigs were in their cage or loose in the room. All they knew was that the cat was in there, the door was locked, and nobody could get in.

All of this was happening while I was trying to stay focused on work, listening, responding, and sorting through an issue left behind by a colleague who had gone on PTO. It required actual thinking, not autopilot work, which made the chaos feel even louder.

By the time it hit about 5:15, I had to jump in and tell my coworker that I needed to leave to pick up kids. It was about ten minutes earlier than usual, but I knew I had to deal with the guinea pig situation upstairs, the emotional wreck downstairs, and everything else swirling around.

At that point, I gave up on the idea of being productive for the day.

Eventually, a second key was found. The door was unlocked. Thankfully, the guinea pigs were safe in their cage and the cat was just roaming the room. Then my five-year-old insisted he did not have the key. Until someone found it on the floor of my fourteen-year-old’s room, where we knew it had not been before.

I calmly informed my five-year-old that I could check the hallway camera if I needed to.

Suddenly, the truth came pouring out. Yes, he had the key. Yes, he locked the cat in there. We have been working on honesty, and I really thought it was going better than this.

By the time I got around to picking up my two youngest, I was completely spent.

And of course, as soon as we arrived, my five-year-old announced that he needed to use the bathroom. Immediately. Urgently. Right now.

Some days just do not end quietly.

This is exactly why I believe in documenting women as they are, not as they think they should be. Luxury photography for women is about stepping out of the chaos, even briefly, and being seen. It is about honoring the woman who is holding all the pieces together, even when the day feels like absolute mayhem. These portraits are not about pretending life is calm. They are about remembering who you are in the middle of it.

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Life is messy and loud and beautiful, and so are you. At Kristian Hutchings Portraits, I’ve built an experience that takes you out of the everyday and into a space where you’re pampered, posed, and celebrated. From professional hair and makeup to portraits you’ll treasure for a lifetime, this is more than photos, it’s a chance to finally put yourself first.

Kristian is a mom of six, Program Manager by day, active Professional Photographer by trade, and a big believer in finding beauty in the everyday chaos.

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Life in our house is loud, messy and full of literally everything. Love, noise, laundry, laughter, and definitely could use a bit more grace. I'm happily married to my best friend, grounded in my Catholic faith, and fueled by five to six hours of sleep per night and adrenaline.

I try to find joy in the everyday, even when it's wild, because without the little bit of joy, this life would be unbearable. This space is for the moms in the middle of it all, the ones juggling family, faith, work, and wonder. The ones that need someone else's messy life to make their own seem better or somewhat normal. You're not alone, and you're doing better than you think.

Welcome to Six Sweet Smiles, where we celebrate the mess, the miracles, and everything in between.