Progress [April]

We are leaving for vacation tomorrow(!!) but if I want to keep up with any kind of post while trying to juggle getting the house prepped for the sitter and the bags packed, my progress update post would be it.
So how did it go this month?
Well...okay.
I've had a really hard time the last 2 months keeping up with every thing but I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things and putting my act back together. I haven't stopped or went backwards, but it's been much harder and it's required constant dedication. However, I am determined and I want to be totally honest through this process. No masks guys.  

One year apart!

Not to shabby, eh? I'll post my goals for this month later in the week so keep an eye out.

I won't lie and say this has been easy. Losing weight is one of the hardest things I've ever had wanted to do. Well...that and running. Being overweight is in my genetics, is in my husband's genetics, and it's easy to just give in and remain the same despite all the benefits. (Plus, hello! Food!) But I won't. I am so determined to continue on this journey, even if it takes just baby steps along the way to get to my end goal.

My goal for 2014 was to lose 60 pounds and I am more than halfway there.

I can do this.

I sincerely thank you all for your continued support and encouragement: your positive words are what carry me through on those days that I just want to give up.

When You Forget the World is Hurting

I think we're all pretty good at hiding the intimate details of our lives. I'm not talking about the small stuff here either, I'm talking about the dig-down-deep things that really get to us. Things that already hurt so much that we don't want to share them because less understanding equals more hurt. I get it but I don't want to forget it.
It's easy to get wrapped up in our own lives and forget about the hurting world around us. But the truth is, the best day of your life could be the worst day of someone else's.
A lot of my friends openly share some of their struggles. Others keep them hidden to the point that I can't even begin to imagine what they're going through on the inside. I wish we could all just break down the barriers that we build in life and realize that the more we share, the more we learn, and the more support we can find in the right people.
You, I, she...we're not the only ones who have gone through this, or are going through this. Encouragement is best found in those that truly understand, that have walked in your shoes. But how do you find those people if you are not even willing to admit that you hurt too? Or if you're unwilling to take a moment to really listen and make a promise, to them and to yourself, that you're really going to care?
It's a huge commitment; I get that too.
Sometimes life seems too busy, that your own hurt seems too big, that taking even a moment to carry someone else for awhile seems like too much...
do it, though, do it, and you'll find that it's so worth it.
When you take the time to carry someone else on their worst day, you'll find that on your worst day, they will be there to help you get through too.
The best part? Helping doesn't have to be hard. Sometimes something as simple as a whispered prayer, an encouraging card or word, or just ten minutes of your dedicated time, can be the difference between pushing through or breaking down.
I know because I have been there and I have a feeling you've been there too...
So take a moment, even on your best of days, to remember that every single person that you meet is struggling in their own way. They hurt and they need, just like you. Don't forget it and suddenly every person you meet will become more real.

A Day in my Life [April]

Spring is finally here and we have taken full advantage and spent every minute outdoors that is possible.

But the saying rings true: April showers bring May flowers.

And so we've had a lot of indoor play too which often ends in a meltdown because we just can't go outside.

Henry's newest obsession is playdoh and I have to say, I don't remember it being such a mess. It can get EVERYWHERE...and I mean everywhere.

Of course, Henry's favorite thing will always be pretending to be a dog. And cars. Well...anything with wheels really.

My boy is so fearful and wild some days, climbing to the tops of everything, jumping off couches, and running circles around his Mama.

But other days he's nothing but sweet and kind and loving, giving big, tight hugs and kisses.

I love both his sweet innocence and kind heart and wild side all the same. It is equal parts that make him Henry, and also make him boy. My boy.

There's also this, this photo which Mama has not seen yet and has no idea how much she is going to love. I know she thought I was bonkers when I said, 'trust me, you're going to cherish this simple shot years from now' and I hope to continue getting it every single time I take their photos. But she will, because I mean...just look. Look at that precious face - the same and yet changed, and Mama's love...it's priceless. This is why I love photography.

Oh yeah...and there's me. Still working on becoming the best I can be. Down 35 pounds, feeling wonderful about how far I've come and yet, a little discouraged about how far I've yet to go. But I'll get there...just keep on believing in me.

Now follow along by hopping over to Sara's page to see how she documented a day in her life!

Provide a Way

Because Lauren is so right, and you need to take the time to write even when you don't feel like you have the time or anything to say, I'm writing today.
We went to church Sunday morning. We got up, I put on one of my favorite dresses and Jeremy put on one of his favorite polo shirts, we let Henry sleep in a bit late and woke him up just in time to throw on his Easter best and then out the door we went.
I had to request the day off and use vacation time just so I knew I could go...
We picked up Jeremy's parents and then met his sister and her two kids in the parking lot. The service was held at the school because the service is really that big on Easter. That's amazing to me...and it made my heart and soul smile.
I should say: I'm still not sure about this church. I really haven't been able to research enough to find fundamental beliefs, and the nitty-gritty of whether or not it's a fit for us. But every time I go, my soul feels filled and that may just be the most important part.
I miss church like...well...I don't know what it's like. It's like forever losing a soul-mate, or misplacing your wedding rings, or having a friend move across country who you spent every moment with. It's kind of like that. Like...part of you is missing.
I truly believe that you can worship God anywhere. And that a belief can be strengthened simply by reading deep into His Word, prayer, and living by faith. But...there is something about gathering together with others to worship that fills your heart with strength and your soul with peace.
I miss that so very, very much.
As I stood in the foyer Sunday (I had to take Henry out), listening to the final bit of the message and the alter call, my prayer was simple and perhaps one of the most heart-felt I'd ever prayed:
Lord, please provide a way.
And as I write those words, it brings tears to my eyes because I want this so bad. I want to be back in fellowship with people who get it. They get our lifestyle, they get the ins and outs of living for Him because of Him, they get the need for church.
I know He will provide a way...and perhaps this season of life where 95% of my Sundays are spent at work is here just to remind me of why I need church and why I love church, and what it feels like to miss it.
'1 Corinthians 10:31 - So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.'

Happy Easter!

I hope you all have a beautifully blessed Easter from our home to yours!

Create Themes

Hey Mamas, could you do me a big favor and answer these two questions for me?
{ONE} 
If you were to take your child to one themed mini-session for portraits, what would that theme be? 
{TWO}
If you could create your own unique theme, no matter how crazy, extreme, or suited to your individual style it may be, what theme would you create?
I thank you in advance.

Henry's Easter Basket

Henry's Easter basket has a huge theme this year: BEACH.

We will be on the beach in less than 3 weeks and Henry needed some beach toys to play in the sand so I figured, why not turn an Easter basket into a beachy Easter bucket!

So what's inside?

This was his favorite shirt last year so when I found a larger size on clearance, I snatched it as quickly as I could. It will be PERFECT for our trip to Disney.

What little boy doesn't NEED socks with Planes on them? Plus, they were a dollar...

We're going to be digging and raking fools.

Let's build a Sandcastle!

I had to add a card for us to write a little message in.

 That's one spoiled little boy if I do say so myself! Throw in a couple of eggs with some candy and this basket bucket is ready!

And because I'm the best aunt ever - I put my niece and nephew little goodie bags together too - complete with that 'prized' money-egg!