Christmas Kids

Yup, they're all mine.  We had a fabulous Christmas this year.  The kids were SO excited and couldn't wait for "santa" to get to their house!

December 25

It's hard to believe that it's that time of year already!  Christmas really snuck up on me this year.  Last year I had all my shopping done by the 1st of November and had all my decorations out the day after Thanksgiving.  This year you'll have to squint to see any form of a Christmas decoration and I just got finished with my gift shopping this past Saturday.  Presents just got wrapped and put under the tree last night.  I do have to say I am pretty proud that my husband braved the depths of our storage unit to drag out our tree. Thankfully the lights were already on the branches and they were all working!  I didn't dare ask him to find the tub of ornaments or other holiday spirit.  

I get a lot of flack about our Christmas tree each year that I put it up.  Being type "A" personality I like things clean, crisp and in order.  I love my tree.  It may be skinny and not very tall but I think that gives it it's wonderful character.  Things are a little abnormal this year as I see it has a little lean to it and it isn't in the "perfect" spot, but instead put against any old wall right next to the other random things shoved in the corner.  If I had it my way there wouldn't be colored lights either.  Colored lights are by my husbands request and I decided I could give in to that as long as I get to keep my beloved tree.  

Remembering that it isn't about what's under the tree but that the season is all about this...

Luke 2:1-20

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." 

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Merry Christmas, I hope your season is filled with love and joy! 

Second Time A Charm

Mama came back today just to see if we could get this little babe to sleep for me.

She did...

but it didn't last long.

Enjoy!  :)

Miracle Man

Tonight I met up with an incredible family with an incredible boy.  Meet this miracle boy Daniel.  When his mom, Beth went in for her routine ultrasound the doctors found heart problems with their little buddy.  At 2 days old Daniel had heart surgery but today - a little over a year later he is in my studio happy and healthy.  

My absolute favorite of the evening.  I think this captures him perfectly now - with a healthy beautiful heart that works.  You can even see a faint scar in this picture right in the middle of his breastbone.

Those eyes... beautiful (in a manly way). 

How funny when I opened the door to meet the family for the evening I recognized the dad immediately.  Upon talking it was discovered that he was the one who was contracted out to insulate our house that is currently being built.  What a small world!  If you are in need of a fabulous insulator, give me a shout and I'll hook you up with him.  

The dad and mom of this beautiful and amazing little boy have a wonderful and touching story. You can read all about their journey by reading their blog.  They are currently expecting baby #2 due next Spring.  Since Daniel was born with heart problems they are going to be closely monitoring this new little babe.  They are nervously awaiting their ultrasound that is the 23rd of December so add them to your prayer list praying that this baby will be without any health issues.  

Thanks SO much for taking the trip over to see me tonight.  I hope you enjoyed your tiny sneak peek!  

Well Hello Beautiful

Meet this little beauty.  Good friends of ours had this little peanut last week on Thanksgiving! It was so good to see them again and to check her our for ourselves.   Here she is, 9 days old and WIDE awake the whole time!!    

Faker... she's really not sleeping! :)

Look at those crinkly toes - so tiny!

Adorable big sister!

Thanks for coming over this morning!  It was such a pleasure meeting the newest addition to your family.  She's beautiful!

Sparkle

My sister came over today for a mini shoot to get Christmas pictures with her kids.  Kind of crazy with kids everywhere but we had a fabulous time and we got the job done!  

Doesn't she have the most contagious sparkle?  This is my niece who is just as cute as ever!

My beautiful sister.