Emotions finally hit

I think most people know that I am more than ready to leave Alaska. I've been on cloud 9 since we received our orders to New Orleans. But today I finally got emotional for the first time about moving. Funny thing is it wasn't about leaving Kodiak but leaving some dear friends. Every time we move we make new friends and some people we meet become family. So far we have been blessed to have people in our lives that seem to love and adore our kids almost as much as they love us. Having to say goodbye to those people is one of the hardest things to do, especially since you may never cross paths with them again. Today we will celebrate Parker's 6th birthday and as I was going over the guest list I realized we would be saying goodbye to some great friends very soon. People who were there for my daughters 1st, 2nd & 3rd birthday as well as all my sons since we have been here. It's a hard truth to swallow that they may not be at any more birthdays after we move. Spending our last few months making memories with them will be something to cherish. How blessed we are to have amazing friends as part of our extended family-now that's something to get emotional about! 

My momma

I think the majority of us feel we have the worlds best mom. So many moms before us have demonstrated the loving sacrifices that we as mothers today try to live up to. So in essence we all can say we have the worlds best mom. I sure am blessed to say that about my mom. No she's no perfect but she loves me unconditionally and does what ever she can to show her love and be there whenever or where ever I need her. As soon as I mentioned I was going to have surgery she was booking her ticket to come help me withe the kids and be a support to me. How do you even begin to thank your momma for all she has done or does? My momma works hard and can buy anything she wants. So since I started quilting I knew I had to make her a quilt. I felt like that excited 5 year old I used to be when I'd make her a surprise out of macaroni giving her that quilt. I know she felt all the love I put into it just like the love she puts into everything she does for me. I'm so blessed by my momma. 

Surgery is never easy

Over the last few years I've tried a lot of things to get the weight off. Weight watchers, working out & Zumba just to name a few. Having surgery was never the route I wanted to choose but it decided to choose me. God gave me a peace and calmness about all of this that I never expected. I was more stressed about the logistics of getting to and from Kodiak and figuring out what to do with the kids while I had surgery in Anchorage.  I've been in the protective bubble of the hospital and heading off back into the real world seems a little bit daunting. But I know that with Gods strength I can do anything!! The most positive thing is that my blood sugar levels are around 85. Such a fast change for the best. I want to be around for my husband, for my kids and future grand kids. A verse I have often referenced throughout my life returns at this moment. Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plansi have for you declares The Lord, plans to prosper you to give you a hope and a future". Thank you Lord for every day and for this brighter future. 

Twins!

I finally got the opportunity to photograph twins!! And they were oh so adorable. My girlfriend found out she was having twin boys and I didn't hesitate to ask if I could take their photos after they were born. I am so glad I asked. Its a rare opportunity for a photographer to get the opportunity to shoot newborn twins. 

They were perfect angels and big brother was a ham as usual but didn't really want to do pics with the babies. So I did my best to make him feel comfortable and spent time making him the center of attention. I am so thankful and blessed I had the opportunity!