Well that lasted about 2 hours. I realized how much taking a single picture, every day, rain or shine, good or craptastic kind of day, well, it changed me. I made me see the beauty in something. Everyday. It also became a kind of discipline, like working out or running. The thought of not doing it made me a little sad. So I decided to jump back in and do it again this year, with a few changes. I most likely will take the pictures every day but will aim for posting them at least once per week. That way I can keep my sanity in check! At least what is left of it So here are the pictures from Week 1 of Pieces of Me 2012!

If you care to read the reason behind the pictures or see any of the pictures from Project 365 2011 they are all posted on my Facebook page. Come follow along with me!

I am not one to set resolutions. A few years back I started selecting a word and a verse as a theme for the coming year. Last year my word was “Intentional” and my verse was Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”. My desire was to trust more in God’s presence in my life and to live intentionally out of His design for me. I wanted to be intentional about the choices I was making for a healthier lifestyle, in pursuing relationships and finding balance in all that I try to take on my plate. Talk about life changing. Being Intentional about my choices made me slow down and think through things before jumping in, which is something I have done in the past.

So this year, I have prayed and journaled waiting for my word. Several words and phrases bubbled up, but yesterday on my run it really became clear. My word for 2012. Courageous.

Eeek! Really? Courageous? I have never considered myself a person hampered by fear. I am a pretty outgoing, driven person who sets goals and puts my head down to do the work to meet them. But there is a difference between being driven and being Courageous. As I look back over 2011 I realize that I want to take the idea of living intentionally to a deeper level. I want to dive into the things that scare me. I want to be courageous in the direction I take my business this year, stepping out into creative areas that will stretch me. Living courageously is the difference between running a Half Marathon by myself and being willing to join a running a group that meets every week. It is realizing after 60 plus pounds of weight loss that I have been holding back on reaching my goal weight (another 10-20 pounds!) and being willing to work through those issues. It is what makes the difference between being Transparent and being Vulnerable, and really pursuing relationships that I long to be deeper and more true.

Courageous. Scares me already! So I will reflect on 2 Corinthians 5:7 “…for we walk by faith, not by sight.”

If I live my life always staying in my comfort zone, I will never see or experience the fullness of Gods design for me. But if I place my trust in His purpose for my life, I know there is so much more I can achieve than what I can do trusting on my own abilities. So here we go. Happy 2012! The Year of Living Courageously.

Third time was just as sweet! Introducing Baby Obi. Oh the continued addiction to baby toes! Makes. Me. Happy. Enjoy!

 
This trip was a little bit different for me. I very much wanted to be present for my kids, so I left my camera behind for most of the time we were there. It was a wonderful time and we played our hearts out. Looking forward to going back again next year!

And guess what today is? 100 days until Christmas! Are you like me and completely blown away by that? Where ever did this year go? Holiday Mini-Sessions are around the corner and I will be posting all the information here. SOON. I promise!

And if the saying is true, that time flies when you are having fun, then I must be wearing a great set of wings. I have been having a great time documenting my year in a Project 365 on my Facebook page. Click on over and take a look at my year in pictures so far. I will eventually post all the albums on here as well, but for now have fun browsing over on Facebook!

And since what blog post is good with out a picture, enjoy one of my favorites from this summers adventure in Colorado…

That’s all for now! Stay tuned for updated galleries and Holiday Session information, coming this week

This year I brought my camera along and had some fun capturing the light show. This is the first year I have tried to Photograph fireworks and I had so much fun playing with the settings and seeing what effects I could come up with. Here are a few of my favorites from the evening!

Hope everyone had a safe, fun filled day celebrating the amazing Freedom we have here in the U.S.! A huge thank you to all our troops who help keep it that way

This is how the kids interpreted “Go cuddle with your Mom and Dad!” Ha! SO cute!

Hmmmm, I think Dad must be a superhero.