(All photos of the gorgeous Jody, Mother of 5, by Jade Beall, more images below)

Jody came to be photographed with her beautiful daughter because Jody is ready to look at herself in an un-photoshopped image and love what she sees: her irreplaceable beauty. Here is a little of what Jody wanted to share with these images we made:

I have been struggling with my self-esteem for a while now. I haven’t been able to pinpoint why exactly. It could be mental caused by the lack of affection as a child or the sexual and physical abuse as an adult. Maybe it’s more physical because my breasts don’t sit quite as high as I would like or the extra little pooch in the front of my belly or it could be the stretch marks all over my hips and thighs. I know all of these things are what have made me who I am today and I should be proud of my marks internal and external. My sagging breasts and stretch marks are stories of the journeys of creating and growing all five of my miracles. I try to remind myself of that daily.

I was listening to music and relaxing when a song came on that really hit me as I was singing to it. I have been blessed. Yes I may struggle daily with paying bills and supporting my family. It’s difficult trying to figure out how to juggle everything but all in all I am truly blessed. I have five beautiful, healthy, smart, kind, and amazing children. I am able to listen to their laughter every day. I am able to listen to my oldest sons amazing voice when he sings while he is doing stuff around the house. I am privileged to watch my son dominate on the football field. I am blessed to watch my daughter bounce and cartwheel around the house. I am able to feel their amazing hugs and cuddles every day. My three and four year old boys just love to both climb up and sit in my lap for hours. This just fills my heart with such an amazing feeling. The best part is they all think I am beautiful and they tell me all the time. So I think it’s time I start being who they see. I was able to teach my kids to see the best in everyone and to appreciate people for who they are. I need to live by example so they can love and appreciate themselves also. I want to my children to know they are all beautiful. I need my daughter to know that she is glorious and amazing and strong and that she has so much to offer to those that are blessed enough to have her around.

I am beautiful because I created five lives. I have amazing marks and stories to show for it that I am learning to love. I am raising five amazing people. I get to share life with them. I have been blessed!