Transitioning into this new role, has been one of the most painful and challenging adjustments of my life.  The dying of my old self, being thrown into a role that is completely sacrificial, the dying of my husband and I as we knew it.  Nobody told me that shedding my old self would be one of the hardest things I would do.  I knew life was going to be different, I just didn’t know how I would handle and react to everything.

My mom reminded me of a scripture I would quote when I was a child to help me get through the obstacles I faced then.  “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13).”  It is such a simple verse, but very powerful.  I can’t help but think of becoming a Christian as relation to this new motherhood process.  Christ calls us to deny ourselves daily and give our lives to Him.  This process can be painful, but when we let go, and let God be God in our lives…we are new in Him, free, and complete.

As I shed who I once was, although challenging, I know I will come out a better person.  At 2 am, when the dark is all around me and I am cradling God’s greatest creation, I am being redefined.  When I gaze into his little face, I am reminded of God’s love for me and He is holding my hand through this transition.  I can honestly say, I don’t want to be the person I was before Christ came into my life.  I know being a mother will make me a better person as I am being redefined.

Here are a couple of images of our new family from the lovely Corrie Owens.

I want to thank Jenna of Red, White, and Green Photography for our maternity images.  She is truly gifted and couldn’t be more pleased with them.  To view the whole post, click here!

Seven Things I Wish I’d Known  About Men Before I Married

by Tricia Goyer

1. Men can’t read your mind. If you “hint” at wanting help, men will not get it. “I wish I was taller so I could reach that  canister” sounds like a simple statement. Asking sweetly works much better. Say  something like, “Honey, when you have a minute can you reach that canister for  me?”

2. Men don’t like to be rushed with new problems as soon as  they walk in the front door. Providing time to unwind works much  better. Let the worries of your husband’s workday dissipate before you tell him  about new ones.

3. Men often feel like they’re failing as a  spiritual leader. Ever wonder why your spouse doesn’t take the  initiative on spiritual ventures more often? Sometimes it’s easier for him not  to try than to see disappointment in your gaze. Instead of “hinting” at ways he  can lead or nagging when another day goes by without quiet time, pray for your  husband to step up, and support any effort he makes.

4. Men are  visual. Very visual. Even when we women feel unattractive or  overweight, our husbands do like to look at us minus the clothing. They don’t  mind nearly as much as we do about the extra rolls around the middle, I  promise. Remember this: You are the only naked woman your husband is  allowed to look at!

5. Men like someone to listen to their  dreams. It doesn’t mean they’re going to go out and quit their jobs  tomorrow and set off on a sailboat around the world, but a listening ear  matters. Take time to ask, “If you could do anything, what would you do?” Give  him space to dream.

6. Men are born with a desire to protect the  weak and fight for honor, but those instincts rarely have a chance to exhibit  themselves in the real world. We don’t have to hide our faults or be  perfect wives. Instead we can turn to our men for help and advice. We can give  our husbands a chance to save the day.

7. A good meal and a warm  wife can wash away every other care in the world. I don’t think there’s  much more I need to say about that. Try it, I bet your husband will  agree!

Stay tuned for my 2011 favorite image contest coming soon!

My husband and I had the wonderful opportunity of spending some time in Rome and Florence, Italy.  It was an amazing trip and am so glad I got to see Europe before I have this little one.  Here are a few images from our trip:

After I got back from Italy, I had the opportunity to go to Justin and Mary Marantz Spread the Love Tour again.  If they are ever in Charlotte again, whether you are a photographer, graphic designer, or some other small business owner, I highly recommend their seminar.  It is so inspiring and will challenge you to do what you do even better.

In April I got to participate in Central Church of God‘s High Heels in Action 5K (my 2nd 5K and I beat my time from 2010 by 2 minutes .  The proceeds go to help stamp out human trafficking.  I plan on participating in this year’s race as well.

In the beginning of June we found out we are expecting!  It definitely came as a surprise, especially considering what we were going through, but we are really excited.

I also had the opportunity to go to another David Jay seminar in Charlotte.  It was another inspiring and stimulating seminar that I would highly recommend to photographers.

Another thing I wanted to do before I had children was go on another international mission’s trip.  In July, I had the amazing opportunity to go to Ambato, Ecuador with a team (including my parents) from Central Church of God.  We were able to see the beautiful country of Ecuador, share the love of Christ, and work with the most gorgeous and precious children in the world.

In August, Tracy and I celebrated our 6th anniversary.  We had the lovely and talented Megan of Lime Green Photography document these images for us.

In September we found out we are having a baby…boy!!

I had a very busy Fall season and we were able to get away in the midst to visit Tracy’s family in the Charleston area…a well needed break.

I also had two very special baby showers and I turned the BIG 3-0.

We had another lovely and talented photographer (Jenna of Red, White & Green Photography) document us for our maternity pictures.  Baby Jax Alan is due in just around a month (which is SO hard to believe).  I know my life is about to change drastically and I do not know what to expect by becoming a mother, but I do hope I will become a better person and photographer.  I just want to THANK YOU to all the families that allowed me into your homes and lives to document what is near and dear to you.  I can’t wait to see what 2012 holds!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

In honor of me turning the BIG 3-0 tomorrow (gasp!), I thought it would be fun to have a giveaway here on the blog and on my Facebook fan page.  Here’s how to participate….

* Write a comment here on the blog or on my Facebook what your favorite holiday tradition is.

*Anyone can participate, both current and past clients, friends, people I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting, and family.

*I will announce the winner at the end of the day Friday, December 16.

*The giveaway is a Starbucks giftcard (who wouldn’t want that?!).

 One of my favorite holiday traditions is that my mom, my sisters and I have an ALL day cooking baking day and then we go caroling that night.  Happy commenting!

I love mixing colors, so I thought this necklace from a new Etsy shop find would be cute with it…

or these earrings from Ruche…

A while back I got a navy, lace dress from Marshalls similar to this one:

Instead of putting the predictable brown with this, I have been searching for yellow accessories.  I found these earrings on that same Etsy site that would be cute.

 I also found a great yellow belt and necklace at Gigi’s boutique in Belmont that would also look great.  It’s so fun being a girl!  The possibilities of outfits are endless!  I also was inspired on Pinterest to pair rust/orange colored tights with it.  Anyways, I know this is a random post, but hey, maybe you got inspired!  I did want to give a shout out to that great Etsy site.  They have the cutest vintage inspired jewelry and the shop owner was very nice and prompt.  In other news….I have a BIG birthday coming up this week, so stayed tuned on the blog for a fun giveaway. 

The images below were done this past summer to document our 6th year wedding anniversary and to capture the two of us…side by side.  We are currently expecting and I was 17 weeks pregnant in these photos.  On Friday I will be 30 weeks.  My conception came as a surprise and shock as we have experienced many emotions all at the same time.  He truly is our miracle baby and I don’t even know how he has come to be, except that it must the Lord’s plan for our lives.  (I have not shared my condition or experience here on the blog…there have been hints, but it’s not the right time yet).

Sometimes I walk past his nursery and am still in disbelief that this is happening in just around 10 weeks.  I don’t feel equipped, or ready to enter into motherhood.  I am so thankful that I get the chance and will do my best.  I wouldn’t want to enter this chapter of my life without my beautiful husband and best friend….right by my side.

In the next couple of weeks, we will be getting some maternity photos done, so I will be happy to share those here on the blog.  I am so thankful for so much.  I am thankful for the opportunity to do this job and for the people the Lord brings into my life to do it.  Happy Thanksgiving!

I have to give credit for these beautiful images done by Megan at Lime Green Photography.