Mama Memories: Keeping your Faith

Over two years ago B and I started the journey to become parents. The news was thrilling but the sadness was overpowering two times in a row. When you go through grieving in life you meet and discover other couples journeys of sadness that have blossomed into a beautiful family based on faith. The challenges to starting our family was only a needle sewing together strength, love, hope and faith we couldn't see until our eyes were clear from all the lies we were believing of why life was being taking away from us. There was unspoken prayers, friends & families love and the strength of our marriage that kept us going. Looking back at the path God had chosen for us is something that made me believe in Hope and Faith that much more. It helped me understand how precious this time is now with my Son and how there is a diamond in the rough in almost everything you go through in life just depending on how you accept it.
I always knew one day we would have a family. I always kept praying but most of all I always had Faith.
Keep your Faith.

 

Bryson & Friend Lydia, two beautiful souls that were worth the wait.  

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Smoking Salmon

Growing up in Alaska and right on the ocean you can literally live off the land. We go crabbing, fishing, shrimping, clam digging and hunting. Come to think of it I live were others vacation. Not to shabby! I love it here. I feel safe.

The King Salmon Derby is over with my Dad in 3rd place! I finally got one my last day fishing. Man it was a long three weekends but always worth it. 
After our fishing weekends my parents and I smoked up our salmon. Mouth watering I tell ya. Here is how we smoke our salmon...

Cut the salmon into your desired pieces.

Soak in a brine

Sprinkle with Black Pepper

   Brush your marinade on every piece

Use Alder for your firewood

Make sure you have space between each piece for smoke to circulate.

Start your fire and get a good smoke.

Let the smoking begin!

ENJOY!!!!

Six Months

 Rolls all over

First Fishing trip

Still screaming for fun 

2-3 naps a day

Weight-18.7 lbs

Height-27"

Diaper size 3

Clothes 6-9months

Loves his Daddy

Family nap times

Has Mommy's blue eyes, YES!

First solid food
Talking up a storm

Laughs at Zoe
Mr. Personality
Sings himself to sleep
Has Daddy's toes
Loves to laugh
Cuddle bug
Keeping Mommy up at night to much!
Getting so big.

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{This Moment}

{this moment} –A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.  

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Time Out

Sometimes I just need a time out, I think it is only good for your mind/soul. I’m constantly struggling with the balance of home, work, mom, wife & craftier. How much time can I and should I put into my other projects?
A good part of the time this balance/struggle/battle I have is all because I feel guilty but I also know I am the only one holding myself to this standard. Guilty that I’m ignoring my baby, especially in his first year. Guilty that I don't have/make enough alone time with my husband, but struggle with my own alone time as well. 
I like to sit and just hear my own thoughts, have a full phone call with no crying, and finishing a craft project without interruption. Some moms just have it down. (I'm kinda envious)
All of these things I know I feel and believe make me feel guilty. Deep down I know I shouldn’t feel this way, but I think it’s a natural thing to feel, as a first time mom. You want to do everything and anything you can for your baby, keep them alive and safe, get lots of cuddles and kisses BUT, I can’t forget about me. Your family can’t be happy if you’re stressed and not taking care of yourself.
It’s so easy to get into a routine and forget about good ‘ol me. My old hobbies are pushed to the sidelines while I focus on keeping my son happy, the dog walked, the house clean and the dinner on the table. When their happy, I am happy, but I still need to do things for me. (like shower.. just kidding :) I am here to grow as me and teach my son to be the best person he can and not forget to also focus on his happiness (not just of those around you).

I took my own personal time out the other night. I needed the quite sounds of nature, by myself. After Bryson was asleep and B was resting on the couch I went outside and relaxed on the deck over looking the ocean. Here is were I could rest, think, pray and it was much needed.
It’s a weird, rewarding and hard world being a mama. You want to give it all to this child but you still need you. Take care of you, too.

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King Salmon Derby- Second Weekend

 

Another fishing weekend complete. The weather was nice and warm with a little wind. Fishing was slow but the bite was on in the cabin the whole weekend. Bryson was amazing again! We had lots of sightseeing while waiting for the fishes. We saw humpback whales, a black bear on a beach, also a deer and lots of eagles and sea lions. Finally the bit was on! B got a King and my Dad landed a really nice King too. For the rest of us... Like I said, the bite was on in the cabin.... ;)     Ketchikan King Salmon Derby

 Hot rod whoever gets it first!!

 My Dad got it first!! :) 41.0 lbs

 B also got a king 21.7lbs

Bryson got some good sleep in the bouncy waters.

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