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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Let it go, let it roll right off your shoulders...

It was one year ago that Montana took his last dose of chemo. That last push into his port and it was one year ago that we celebrated with a NO MO CHEMO party! What a grand ole day that was. He's been through so much and we have celebrated over many things but that has been by far our biggest accomplishment with him. Knowing that he is cancer free is a blessing and we thank God for it. Last week, he and I went back to St. Jude for his one year check up. It's such an amazing feeling to walk back into that hospital. So many memories, so many tears, and so many friends. People think that we wouldn't want to ever go back but it's so far from the truth. We love to be there. They helped saved our child and we are forever grateful. We have formed bonds with other patients and families that we never imagined we would. They became our family and we have stayed in touch with so many of them. Being back there kind of feels like being home. After spending three years at place other than your than your true home and hanging out with friends going through the same thing.. it eventually becomes home.

Well, Montana is doing great!! He's growing, learning and thriving. He's on a swim team, going into the first grade, has learned to ride a bike and his speech has come so far. We are so proud of him and all he has accomplished since being diagnosed. In the beginning he regressed but has now caught up to other kids his age. We are thankful! However, please keep all the children who are still battling in your prayers. It's so heartbreaking to walk in there and see so many children fighting for their lives. They are hopeful and they are fighters. PRAY, we are!!!

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On a side note... if you know of anyone who could benefit from an Images of HOPE session, please send them the information or direct them to the website.. www.hopeconquers.org. It's a free photo session to any child who is or has battled cancer. There are photographers from all over the country involved so check it out!!

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Wednesday, June 22, 2011

my water bug

I'm thrilled. Montana swam in his very first swim meet on Monday. I honestly didn't know if that day would ever come. He's been through so much and when he was born I thought he would be swimming by the age of 3. I guess my plans don't always work out. Instead, he was in the hospital and fighting for his life because of an evil thing called cancer. I hate it. I still hate it but I'm blessed that he is here with us right now. In the end, my attitude was and still is, "who cares if he does things later, not at all, or a little slower. He's here and that's all that matters." I've been a swimmer my entire childhood, swam in college, coached for 6 years after and still get to train from time to time. It's just amazing to see my little guy starting the same thing that I had the biggest passion for. As long as he can swim well it doesn't matter to me where he goes with it, but it would be great to see him get competitive.

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cheer
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Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Officially a SOLDIER

It's official... Chris is now a soldier in the U.S Army and we are so very proud of him. After 10 weeks, many letters, and a handful of phone calls, we were able to go see him graduate and spend 4 days with him here in VA. It was the best 4 days of our life. The kids and I all had an amazing time and we just could not get enough of him. Well, now it's off to AIT and 10 weeks later we will do the same thing. Congrats, Chris! We love you!!!

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Friday, June 17, 2011

Virginia Beach Engagement Photographer

Last weekend I shot an engagement session for Chris and Allison. They will be getting married in August and I can not wait to see what their big day holds. These two make quite the adorable couple. I happen to actually know Chris' sister from way back when. Seems like that anyway. :) Well, I met the two of them down in Virginia Beach and I just tried to capture how truly sweet they are!! LOVE IT and LOVE THEM!!

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Sunday, June 5, 2011

Memorial Day Weekend Wedding

Last Saturday I shot a wedding in Norfolk at the Botanical Gardens. It was such a gorgeous location and the weather was perfect. It had been raining on my way down so we were praying it would go away by the time ceremony started.... it did! Kristin and Brandon make the perfect couple. So sweet together I tell ya. Her son, Ryan, walked her down the aisle which was the cutest thing ever. I'll let you see the photos... ADORABLE!! Congrats to Kristin and Brandon and may you have a blessed future!!

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