Fall Fam Pics

We had some family pictures taken in the fall, but I didn't want to share them until after Christmas since we used two on our card. I was excited because I bought a one hour photo session through our local daily deals. I thought why not try it out just for fun?

We brought one of our sitters along to help with the boys and get them to smile and laugh. I'm so glad we did! Our course my favorites are of the boys holding Reese's picture. 

It was a beautiful fall day, and I was so relieved Z did well. You just never know with kids and pictures. ; ) After we finished he kept saying, "I was so good, wasn't I? I was so good!"


Have a good weekend, ya'll!


Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust Him, and He will help you.


Psalm 37:5

Something Different

Thank you Designer Blogs for my new design!


They were wonderful to work with, and I'm pleased with how everything came together. I was going for clean and simple. ; )


Occasionally I get asked what is Reese's story or what happened to our sweet girl. I am working on a link to answer those questions, so you will see this soon.


Have a good night!


Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.


Deuteronomy 4:39

Holly Jolly Christmas

We had such a fun, crazy, and busy-yet-peaceful Christmas. We celebrated with both Jason's and my family and loved every second.

 Mandy, me, Meredith, Colson, & my mom

This is our normal. ; )

Colson & Hunter

These two are 6 months apart and loved playing together.

Zach and Abby were inseparable. Their little conversations are hilarious. One night I was giving them a bath listening to them talk about Riley and how they really like dogs. 

Zach: "Abby, you used to have a dog, right? You don't have one now, but you used to?"

Abby: "No, I don't have a dog. I've never had a dog because that's what God gave us. No dogs."

They are like an old married couple. ; )

My beautiful sis, my dad & me before the Christmas Eve service

My mom stayed home with Hunter and Colson so the rest of us could go. It was such a special night! The kids did great, but about halfway through when it was very quiet Zach said, "When is it going to be over? It's taking too long!" People around us laughed thank goodness.

I love family services because we all understand how loud and unpredictable kids can be, yet it's so important to have them worship with us.

Colson opening some toys on Christmas Eve

Shannon & Westin

Cam & Trish

Santa brought Z a fish on Christmas morning. He named him Helicopter. ; )

Colson taking it all in

Zach's great grands gave him his first bike. They were so excited.

I hope you had a Merry Christmas filled with GOD's love and peace. Even when you are hurting, He knows where you are and how to protect your heart. His grace is perfect just for you.

...my heart will rejoice in Your deliverance.

Psalm 13:5

Merry Christmas!

And they were calling to one another: "Holy holy holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory."

Isaiah 6:3

Pjs & Prayers

I love matching Christmas pajamas! Even before we had kids I couldn't wait to have them all in matching pajamas. Ha! It's just another fun thing to do this month. ; )

We are having so much fun with our family and friends. It's wild with the cousins running around constantly, and I wouldn't have it any other way. ;) I love seeing them become best friends. 

I feel so many prayers too, as we celebrate another Christmas without our Reese. Thank you! We are truly blessed and feel her presence in many ways.

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed beyond measure...and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him.

Matthew 2:10-11

Sigh

This is the life. ; )

God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.

Genesis 1:31

Favorites

A few people have asked lately about my camera. It's a Canon 40D. I love it!


These are a few of my favorite things. ; )

1. these sweet faces (always!)

2. non fat vanilla cappuccinos


This will keep me going through the long, cold, dark winter. Plus it's only $1.50. ; )

3. this squeaky clean face

4. this Christmas t-shirt

5. I love how Mandy, Meredith, and Shannon share so openly with my nieces and nephews about Reese. This means more to me than they'll ever know.

6. Colson's t-shirt he made at school


7. these ornaments the boys' teachers made


8. tennis
When I'm on that court nothing else matters which is so nice. I even have Jason playing with me. Of course he is much better but he goes easy on me. ; )


Death has been swallowed up in victory.

Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?

^{I Corinthians 15:54-55}

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town

Last night Santa dropped in at our friends Clint and Ashley's house. Z was SO excited, and Colson didn't have a clue but just loved watching everyone and taking it all in. We definitely "do" Santa at our house, but he is far from the main focus of Christmas.

You better watch out,
You better not cry,

Better not pout,
I'm telling you why:
Santa Claus is coming to town! 

He's making a list,
And checking it twice,

Gonna find out who's naughty and nice.
Santa Claus is coming to town! 

He sees you when you're sleeping,
He knows when you're awake, 

He knows if you've been bad or good,
So be good for goodness sake! 

So...you better watch out,
You better not cry, 

Better not pout,
I'm telling you why:
Santa Claus is coming to town! 

When Santa left Z asked if he could see his reindeer. It caught him a little off guard, but he said he didn't bring them because they had to rest for Christmas Eve. ; )

We had such a fun time watching the kids' faces and being with friends!

Light shall shine out of darkness...

2 Corinthians 4:6

the Dove

My heart has been so heavy lately for friends and families who are really struggling right now with the holidays. This time of year can be extremely painful. Even with so much to be thankful for, people all around us are deeply hurting. My heart breaks for them.


Every holiday that passes I think about two years ago and how thankful I am it's not that time. The pain of losing a child will always be evident and deep, but thankfully not as raw. That's His grace.


I was talking with one of my best friends about Reese, and she said, "I know there are countless times when her physical presence is missed, but her spirit is very much alive in you." 


She also talked about her mom who is in Heaven. "So much of her is still around and yet the part I want most - her physical presence - isn't." I could not explain this more perfectly in how I feel about Reese too.


I know she will never be forgotten. Her life has touched so many people. Her presence fills my heart and home. And one day she will fill the void inside me that only Heaven can satisfy.


I love what my parents have started doing with their Christmas cards.

Can you find the dove? She's above Zach and Jason. Her subtle presence represents Reese. Our sweet little girl has changed each one of us, and we are better because of her life.


So hug on those around you who are hurting this Christmas. We all know someone who is feeling loss in their lives. You don't even have to say a word. Trust me, they will never forget it. ; )


Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father...who does not change like shifting shadows.


James 1:17

Our Week So Far

The past few days have been busy and fun! Sunday Jason ran a half marathon with our friend Mark. Trish and Cam met the boys and me to see him cross the finish line.

The boys went home with Jason's parents for a few days so Jason and I had some time to do things we normally don't do.

Like go to a museum. ; ) 

The Crystal Bridges Museum was incredible, and our favorite part was "The Wonder World" collection. 

Monday we went hiking to Hawksbill Crag. So beautiful and we will definitely go back. Z would love it, and Colson will too when he gets a little older.

Last night was Jason's office party. I always look forward to this and love spending time with all of his coworkers' wives. ; )

Zach and Colson are back home, and things are settling down until next week. I pray that Jesus and all He represents this special holiday is always in the front of our minds. In the calm and the craziness. December is flying by!

What is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him?

Psalm 8:4