Feel free to cozy up with your favorite beverage (if you're like me, then maybe it's an espresso over ice with a splash of cream, or a warm matcha latte if it's cold outside!) and stay awhile. This is my place to share not just beautiful weddings or sessions, but to share my life. My hope is through this, you'll get to know a bit more about me and all the beautiful people that make it worth living! 

explore

welcome to

the blog

Weddings

portraits

Personal

October 28, 2013

Seasons

SEASON  – a: a time characterized by a particular circumstance or feature; b: a suitable or natural time or occasion; c: an indefinite period of time

Seasons of life. I’ve heard that term many times over the course of my life. When I look back on my life, I have gone through many seasons:  my childhood season, my junior high season (YUCK!!), my high school season, my college season, my being in love and getting married season, my years of being pregnant & having young kids season, 2008-2010 season of dealing with PTSD, 2011 season of newness and renewal, and 2012-2013 have been a whirlwind & fruitful season.  And now I feel God is taking us into a new season.  Truthfully, I don’t know if I like it.  I really don’t.  But, I know that through all these seasons, God has remained faithful and He doesn’t change.

I don’t like that my oldest son isn’t coming home for Thanksgiving or Christmas because he has a real job now. It sucks. Don’t get me wrong, it is a huge blessing that he has an amazing job right out of college and he is loving it. But, the thought that he won’t be here on Christmas morning gives me a pit in my stomach. We’ve been in the same house since Luke’s 1st Christmas. We’ve never missed a single Christmas morning in 21 years in this home without him. Do I even put a stocking up and fill it?  And then have it sitting there full after everyone else has opened theirs? I know. . . I really do know. . .that it is just another day, but I really love tradition & I really love my Lukie. He’s one of my favorite people in the world and the thought of him not being here just makes my heart ache. But, I also know that this is all good. And it is all the way it should be.

I love that Emily is in California & exactly where God wants her right now. I love that she is learning and growing not only in photography, but mostly in life experiences. But was I unsettled yesterday when she called super scared sitting on a train platform alone in an area that wasn’t safe. . .and I am 2000 miles away. . . yes, I was a bit freaked out!!  Letting go is not easy. . .it actually feels like a little bit of your heart is missing. I feel like I went into this new season of life totally unprepared & like it hit me like a ton of bricks. I feel like I am just trying to process it all. I should be happy (and I am) that our two older children are doing amazing, that they are thriving and striving to put God first in their lives. There is truly no greater joy! But, my momma’s heart misses the way it used to be.

It’s so awesome at how God cares about the details of our life! Last Friday night, we met some friends for dinner. While we were waiting for our friends to arrive, one of my brides and grooms happened to be waiting to be seated as well. This was my special couple who are full of wisdom and years of experience. . .Frank & Marylou have a very special place in my heart as they are the oldest and wisest couple I’ve ever had the chance to be part of their wedding day. Frank is 96 & I could spend all day in his presence hearing his stories and gleaning wisdom from him. As I shared that things were changing in our house, Marylou reminded me that change is okay. That we can’t spend time wallowing in what was and that new traditions can be fun & exciting! New & different can be even better. . .not the same, but still good. That life is too short not to “LIVE” and be stuck in a different season that no longer exists.  I left them feeling so full of hope and excitement knowing that they are an example of “living”.  They celebrate their anniversary every month, not once a year.

I can’t sit and dwell in the past. It isn’t healthy. I need to embrace this new season. I need to embrace Jesus in this new season. . .embrace means “cling to”. . .so I need to cling to Jesus. ‘Abide in me,’ Jesus tells us, ‘and you will bear much fruit.’ Yet too often we forget that fruit needs different seasons in order to grow.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (AMP) 7 [Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is. 8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit. 

Little did I know that this would probably be our last picture taken of all four kids on Christmas morning sitting on our bed. I have a picture of all four kids on our bed since Ethan was born 10 years ago. From one momma to another, make sure that you are documenting your life. . .in every season. If you are in the thick of school work & think you will always be taking tests, it is only a season. If you are single and worried that you will never find “mr. right”, it is just for a season.  If you are in a mom in the thick of changing diapers and wiping bottoms all day, I know it isn’t a lot of fun, but it is just for a season. If you are dealing with a teenage daughter with raging hormones, bite your tongue, take deep breaths. . .it is only a season.  If you are in a season of letting go like I am, it is just a season. And seasons come and go and the one constant remains. . .our heavenly father who loves us & is never changing.

Malachi 3: 6: For I am the LORD, I change not.

  1. Allie says:

    JUST what I needed to hear today! Thank you so much Kristin! Love you <3

  2. lisa veatch says:

    This post speaks to my heart. While I still have 4 kids at home(18 years downs to 9 ), there is always that sense of time slipping away, and the acute awareness that they will not be little forever. Your relationship with your daughter Emily is such a beautiful illustration of what a mother-daughter relationship can look like. My 14 year-old daughter is such a complement to me now, and someday I hope to have the type of friendship with her that you have with your daughter. The Lord is using you in this season of life even now. Your post has blessed me with perspective and thankfulness. Your relationship with your kids seems very special and refreshing in an age where so many families are disconnected. Thank you for sharing your heart.

    P.S. I love your photography! I am a hobbyist with my Nikon D7000, but am always trying to improve my skills. Thanks for your inspiration!