As I turn 27 years old

Today I turn 27 years old…and like I have for the past few years now, I’ve compiled a list of the things I learned during this last year. 26 things I learned while I was 26 years old. I find this tradition very cathartic and really eye opening. It feels like the years just fly by faster and faster, but to be able to stop, look back on all that’s happened and pull out the nuggets of truth that I have gained during the year, that is a real gift. I find that some lessons I have to learn over and over again, usually in different ways. But that’s what growth and self discovery are all about. I am glad for this space and for the record of my life that is contained at this web address. That’s a pretty special gift too…

And so, here are the 26 things I learned while I was 26.

1. Prayers are answered.
2. Losing weight for the right reasons makes all the difference.
3. It is healthy to embark on challenges that push my boundaries mentally, physically and emotionally.
4. Each moment of reaction is a crossroads.
5. At some point you have to realize that some people can stay in your heart but not in your life.
6. Really good hair products are worth the investment.
7. Phone photography is art too.
8. Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you have to do it.
9. It is important to dig deep and find out what my dreams are and allow them to motivate and inspire me.
10. #lifewithGibson is the best kind of life.
11. Learning Russian is hard, but I love learning with my husband and doing this together as a couple.
12. Lean in to the things that terrify you.
13. “The more I excavate myself, the richer my relationships with others become, because as we connect with our true selves we have so much more to give.” –Susannah Conway
14. Elephant rides are just as cool as I always thought they would be.
15. It is always possible to fall more in love with the one you love.
16. Pictures should always be printed…the bigger the better.
17. Road trips are my favorite kind of getaways.
18. There are so many different and unexpected opportunities that can come from being a blogger.
19. Project Life is the best tool to cultivate a good life and record it.
20. Goose bump moments are real and worth waiting for.
21. Everyone should have pictures taken of themselves that they love, to celebrate a milestone, or just because.
22. “A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life.” –Coco Chanel
23. I am so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.
24. Being a part of a couple’s wedding day from behind my camera is such a privilege.
25. Neurons that fire together wire together…by making choices you can use your mind to change your brain.
26. Its okay to be happy with a calm life.

Coffee Date Friday

If we were sitting down and having coffee together these are the things I would share with you that I’m looking forward too.

Here is Viv’s site so you can check out her photography and the classes she teaches. Happy to be vlogging again and linking up with Alissa from Rags to Stitches for Coffee Date. Glad to have you all here. Hope you have a great Friday!

What would you share if we were having coffee together?
What are you looking forward to?

Lifestyle shoot with Whitney Lane Photography

My cousin and fellow photographer Whitney of Whitney Lane Photography was kind enough to spend some time with us the day of our 6th anniversary and shoot some special portraits for us. We wanted to capture the moment of our anniversary and also celebrate our progress with our health and the changes we’d made together. I got the images last week and am so pleased with them. I ordered some large prints that just came in and I can not wait to hang them up in our home!

Here are some of our favorites.

I am so grateful to Whitney and glad to have had the opportunity to celebrate in this way…these images capture us so well. Take a peek at Whitney’s blog post here, too. Thanks so much Whit. I love how you captured our love.

How do you celebrate your anniversary or special occasions?
Is photography something you cherish?

This made my day

I got this little video of my nephew Emerson today and it made my day. I love his little “wee?” question before he starts up the stairs and then the “wee” statement once he’s done… almost like, “Yup, that was fun. Lets do it again Daddy!” I just had to share. I’m so glad that technology allows us to have little glimpses into life like this despite how far apart we live. Missing my family today.

What made your day today?