Those Circles

Those circles are intertwining.  They evolve, they change, they grow, they shrink with each passing day, each passing event, and conversation.  I was introduced to the "circle" system of thinking when I was an expectant mom over 6 years ago.  I was in the middle trying to find who I was and how I can define "me".  I, like most, am continually trying to make me a better me. 

I learned in a MOPS meeting from a guest speaker how we have circles of our life.  WE decide who or what will be our core and from there decide how other people and "things" are closest , or rather how far away they are.  It isn't that we need to remove people or things from our life, we just need to choose what we need MOST in our life.  Friends, Family...Faith?  Yes, Faith. 

Over the last few years I have made significant changes in my life and who encircles me.  I choose to LOVE everyone, but also choose to be closer to few.  Those few are who/what I have deemed most important in making me a better me.  I've moved some negative forces to the background, still keeping them close, still loving them, but giving some space to keep a healthy relationship and to keep me pushing forward to a better me.  I'm seeking a closer relationship with my Lord and Savior and that is what I am keeping my eye on.

I'm aware of my changing circles and I see others catching on to the changes.  It isn't comfortable to make those changes, discomfort comes with growth. 

I have big dreams, big aspirations for myself.  I know that if I serve my Lord with my whole heart, my whole mind, and my whole being, that I will serve those around me with the Light that they deserve and that He desires me to shine in the lives of others. 

"But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD"  Joshua 24:15

I once told a friend,
"My goal in life is to live and leave a legacy.  I want to leave this Earth with a hole that cannot be filled by another person, another thing. My goal is to have Him use me to do his handiwork."

Mama's Been Away for Quite a While!

This mama has been away from blogging for quite a while.  I take breaks from blogging here and there, and then I realize how great it is to put feelings and words down in "writing".  This last year has been a whirlwind of events and change.  It's crazy. 

I enjoy sharing what I'm doing, what I'm learning, where I am, how We are are as a family, and I cannot help but believe that my blogging has helped others, inspired others, and made others feel that they aren't alone in where they are at.  It's amazing, really.

Amber

Love That Shot: Beautiful Bokeh

Liam's first fish of the season.  :)  Almost as big as the worm he caught it with.

Camera Happy: My First Non-Family Shoot

I've always LOVED taking pictures of my kids, my nieces and nephews, and close friends.  Today, I embarked on a new endeavor.  I had my first non-family shoot.  It was fun! 

I was honored when a co-worker asked me to photograph her daughter and grandson for a "Mommy & Me" portrait.  I was nervous, as I am just an amateur and have no real training.  But I do love taking pictures and trying new things, so I agreed under the terms that there were no expectations and it was just for fun. 

I loved it.  11 week old Isaac was just a complete sweetheart.  He cooed and squeaked through the couple hours that we played, smiled, and photographed he and his beautiful mommy.  I enjoyed every bit of it, and I'm excited to see where my new hobby and love for families and children takes me. 

Curly Cue

It's crazy to see the changes in our little fellows around here.  Our strong-willed, sweet, courageous, scared-of-ants, three year old has become more similar in his looks to his daddy. 

It's no secret to those who know us that these boys are chips off the old block.

Daddy's little clones show different likenesses to their daddy, and Landon has his golden locks. 

Wordless Wednesday: It's A Sure Sign of Spring

Dirt.  Everywhere.
(Although it snowed 6 inches last night)

Above the Law

With each baby boy I have taken pictures of him with his daddy's dress hat from the police department.   All of the boys have one at 6 months old and I treasure those photographs!

Can you tell which baby is which?