Winter Family Portraits and Special Family News!

We had planned for another talented photographer to do a mini-session for our family, on the weekend after Thanksgiving, but we had a few issues on that day and could not keep our session time.  So, on Wednesday, December 4th, we decided to do our own family photo shoot here at our new place in Springtown, Texas.  I got the girls dressed, Dave threw sweaters on the guys, and then he set everything up, and all we needed was someone to help the children look at the camera.  Our sweet neighbor Emily and her daughter Leah were so gracious and wonderful to come over at the last minute to help us, and as you will observe in the children's faces, they did a great job of not only getting them to look, but also to smile!  So, I wanted to share our favorite images with you, as well as share some other special news this holiday season...

This one is my favorite, because everyone is looking and looking good, 

and Emmi's smile is priceless.

This one of everyone turned out pretty good too...

And, I love how this image below captured Pierson's infectious laughing smile!

I love each of my children so very much...

This image turned out pretty grainy, due to the flash not firing, 

but I doctored it up quite a bit, because I love the natural, sweet moment captured here...  

Emmi, who will be 5 in two months, had just begged me to sit in my lap; 

Evie is enjoying her first organic lollipop ever, at almost 15 months old, 

and actually keeping her bow and headband on her head...another first; 

and, our 3-year-old Pierson, cozy in his new sweater that he *loves*, 

is happy to have finished his lollipop, but even more happy to be 

enjoying the time with everyone, social guy that he is.

The only image that turned out well of Dave and me together. 
I love the wonderful man God gave to me!

Our three children together...

Blessings indescribable; gracious gifts from God;  precious souls we get to steward...

 And, wait, there's more!  By August 2014,
our quiver of arrows will be FOUR!

 We feel truly blessed and are praising the Lord for all good gifts that come from Him, especially these precious gifts of life.  We do not take for granted the blessing of being able to have children, and we are so humbled that He has entrusted us with yet another baby.  We appreciate any prayers in the coming months, that we would walk out God's Word and trust the Lord in an even greater way, 

as we plan to parent yet another child and prepare for our growing family.

 "Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward. 

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth. 

How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They will not be ashamed
When they speak with their enemies in the gate."

Psalm 127:3-5