Sisters and Snow

We actually haven't had much snow this year. But these girls only need a dusting for their adventures.

Perfectly Imperfect

We loved having Dan and Helen here. We played lots of games, and the adults even enjoyed a night of fondue, which means we had time to enjoy delicious food and good conversation. I wish they were closer, but I am very thankful for the time that we were able to spend together.

Christmas with Mimi and Papa

making mince pies

Baking is a very serious business around here, apparently. Aunt Helen and Uncle Dan are good helpers!

Now that the pies are in the oven, they can smile and relax a little.

Okay, maybe they can relax a lot!

Each Girl

Sometimes I get a glimpse of my girl and how grown up she's becoming. The above picture isn't particularly flattering for everyone else, but oh my, my Big Girl looks like she's 7 going on 17. Time, please slow down! I'm thankful that I get to keep her home and let her enjoy her childhood.

silly girl....

 Sweet "T"

 My Baby is getting so big!

a photograph is a gift

Sometimes I take pictures for the joy that i know it will bring to someone I love. Sometimes, I take pictures purely for the joy that I discover in gratitude in the small things.

Below are pictures that bring joy to people that I love.

Miss CJ was Grandpa's special buddy  most of the time.

Here Uncle Charlie is playing Candy Land with a lot of little girls. Folks, he's a great dad and my girls are blessed to call him "Uncle".

Here is the infamous "baby boo". I didn't know about baby boos until Abigail received one for Christmas, and Hannah just had to have one too. Oh my, this girl was thrilled to find "Pablo" in her stocking on Christmas afternoon. I say Christmas afternoon because Sunday morning service at 9am doesn't leave time for opening stockings in our home! Our little apples didn't fall far from the tree and aren't morning people either!

my Christmas blessings

Do you like my hubby's mustache? No? I'm not a huge fan either, but it does make for a funny Christmas memory.

Daylight portraits

We were so thankful to host Christmas and New Year's Celebrations with both sides of our families this year.

Good portraits are often harder to come by at the end of December when it's freezing outside. I was thankful that the bright morning sun helped me capture these people that I love before we said our farewells.

a favorite

I love this picture.

For me, it is a window into the past and present and makes me wonder what the future holds for these two.

Mine in particular is a complex soul. She often tells me, "I just love you, mom." And then in the next breath spins around until she's so dizzy she falls, causing a goose egg to well up under her hair. And today, she pulled her little sister around on the sled because they both enjoy the rush of speed and the cold of the snow. She is a girl of extremes - highs and lows. And oh my, the lows are painful for both of us. They often teach us both about forgiveness, patience and self-control. I pray that the Lord directs her passion for life and gives me the wisdom that I so desperately need. I'm thankful that her highs leave me with smiles and laughter. Her joy is like sunrise that lights the shadows that creep into my life.

Each is different, gifted, and beautiful.

I wonder at who they are becoming. And I pray that the Lord would use me to show her grace, love and mercy, all the while helping her to wonder and grow