One Down...

While Hadassah, my youngest,  is getting teeth, Malakai, my oldest, is losing them. Today was the first one to finally give in and fall out. It has been loose and wiggling for weeks. "It just fell out during my nap!" He's worried he won't have a perfect smile anymore. But I think that's quite impossible. Times are a changin'...

The Journey

Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My presence.   -Sarah Young

"For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1: 37

This morning as I sat in the beloved green recliner chair that seems to birth fresh vision and a renewed sense of hope for both Eric and I as we spend time with Jesus, I am reflecting on the journey of life. I was putting new images on my website last night of some of my favorite images from this past year. Most were my clients. But honestly, some of my very favorite ones were of my dear children. Two of them were the boys running...through the woods, on the beach, through the back yard sprinkler. Smiling. Full of joy. Enjoying the journey. And then I found more images of Eric and I running some races. My first 5k...I managed a smile at the finish line. Eric's first 5 miler...arms up in victory as he crossed the finish line.

The LORD reminded me again that there is SO.MUCH.JOY in the journey! This is the perspective I need as I raise my little children. As life is full of transitions. I choose joy today!

Dashing Through The Snow

Well, it might not be a one horse open sleigh, but it's the closest thing to it. I have fond memories of my dad pulling us around as kids and now as an adult I still love it but love watching my kids enjoy it even more. This harsh cold weather and snow calls for the old fashioned runner sleds. This morning Grandpa took us out and about through the fields. Even Gideon trots along beside us pretending he's a reindeer. This is what I get to do in my "off season" on Saturdays and I am so thankful for the memories we are making together!

The Happy Holidays

It really is the most wonderful time of the year. And the most chaotic. With two birthdays in December, at times the whole month's calendar feels a bit overwhelming. We plan too much. Eat too much. Receive too much. But we also laugh more, hug more and hang out with friends/family more. Today as I undecorated the house from all things Christmas and Eric went back to work after a week off (which was so fun), I found myself thankful that the old routine was being set back in place. Yes, Malakai still has off school a few more days, but things are returning to normal. Funny how us human beings crave that. After 6 parties (either birthday celebrations or holiday family get togethers) over the last 10 days, this momma is spent. I did have my camera out quite a bit and am thankful that we could capture some very special moments in the life of our family.

Happy Birthday Isaac!

Three years ago our Christmas Day looked a little different. Me on the coach, beginning to contract. About 4am on the 26th things starting picking up and Isaac Ray knew it was time for his birthday! At 7:55 that evening, we were holding our baby boy, crying tears of joy and excited beyond measure. Three years have passed and Isaac is still giving us so much joy and laughter. He is a passionate, determined little boy with a gentle side that loves to haul around his "babies" and take care of his little sister. We are looking forward to celebrating with him today. Gotta go get his cake started...

Family Time Is The Best Time

All ten of us gathered for breakfast and enjoyed a day together exchanging gifts, stories, and laughter. I always love watching the cousins farming and playing and look forward to mom's amazing food. Lacey, my parents' new puppy added some extra fun too. We all love her dearly. Isaac and Hadassah are warming up to her even though she jumps on them and licks them. She's a wonderful addition to the family this Christmas. Even though we're usually exhausted by the end of the day, we leave feeling blessed to have spent time together. The memories our kids are making together are ones they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Pretty incredible to think about.