There are so many posts that I could have made as my first post. Honestly, I have been quite paralyzed by the whole process of starting a blog again. For almost 10 years, I was the voice behind the blog at our photography business, Mike & Ann Studios. I Hated it. Not only did I hate it, it caused me immense physical pain. My shoulders and neck were always locked up because of the stress of making sure it was just right. Well, it never was. It was never good enough. I truly had to get out of the business for my health, but that’s another long story for the blog later.

So, there you have it, the truth. Even as I sit here writing, by shoulders and neck are a little tense. Okay, a lot! I’m getting ready to put my voice out there again and it makes me a little nervous. I’ve never really been a woman of few words, but I’ve somewhat retreated as we have been on this journey. I’ve been taking it all in and decompressing from the stressful lifestyle I once led. I’ve been selfish and kept it all to myself. I have been enjoying time with my family.

I’ve thought about my first blog post for almost a year now. Again, I’m trying to make it perfect or just right. It has paralyzed my from sharing or even documenting for ourselves. I have HUNDREDS of photos the are trapped inside my phone. I have decided that it’s better to just do it than get it perfect. It’s not EVER going to be perfect because I am not perfect – not even close. I’m am flawed through and through. (Yes, I know you all know that. Thank you )

My hope for this blog is that it first can serve my family. That we are able to document our journey through words, images and some video. My second hope is that it will inspire you all. Inspire you to take chances and create a life you love. Dream again!! This blog will be a place of authenticity and transparency. It will not be perfect and it will change over time. We will share our travels, our struggles, how we can live this way, how we stay healthy, how this is changing us and much more. The boys will even have their own little corner to share stuff. They are excited. It’s a family affair.

Of all the images we’ve taken over the last year, this has to be one of my favorites. These guys are everything to me. They are the reason I am so deeply grateful and have a life I love. We work well together. We respect each other. We love each other unconditionally. Because LOVE is a CHOICE. I am so loved by these 3 boys and I do not take it for granted. I appreciate it and treasure it. We are creating amazing memories and a family bond that is very unique.

Today I am grateful for these incredible humans that God has gifted me.

I look forward to sharing the good & the bad with you. It’s not all rainbows and unicorns around here, but it’s so very worth every struggle. I’ll get more into that later, too! Have a wonderful weekend and PLEASE leave a comment if you stopped by so I know at least someone read this 🙂 Thank you!!!

Blessings to you all!

~Ann