Scott and Jenny

So I was sacked out on the couch this morning, snuggled with Sarah watching/drifting off through Alice in Wonderland, when the phone rang. Our church secretary's daughter wanted to do some pictures. Sue and I had talked about it before, but hadn't actually scheduled anything. We toyed with some times, but it was beautiful today, so this was a perfect opportunity. By 12:30 I was out to their acreage in the beautiful Texan countryside. These two girls were soooo cute, they totally reminded me of Lori and Jay's kids. I couldn't believe how good they were about the pictures. We worked slowly, took our time and let the kids have lots of little breaks for wagon rides and cat chasing. Their property is beautiful. It was a little too sunny for photos, so we stuck to the shady spots for the most part. I think it went really well, considering the ages of today's subjects. Scott and Jenny are the sweetest people, they do missionary work in Germany, isn't that cool?? I loved the environment too, Jenny had her wedding portraits taken there, so it was really meaningful to them too.

So tonight we are setting up for our lock in and church. We've got some pretty spectacular games planned, lots of new year fun. I'm looking forward to it, but the no sleep thing will be tough for me, I'm sure. So toodles till tomorrow!

learned a 100 year old secret today.

Men who fix cars are hot.


I guess cause my dad and brother were both self-professed mechanics, I never dug the hot guys/working on cars thing.

But today, when my dear hubby spent one entire vacation day repairing the brakes, fuel filter, and a radiator hose, hereby saving us a $503 mechanic's bill.... Wow, men who can fix cars are something pretty special! :) Loving my hubby today.

Kids of the Future

Look at this picture. Our children are so spoiled. This was yesterday, at Baybrook Mall, in the Mac Store. It just amazes me the generation that our children are growing up in. Oh, and in case you are thinking I'm the worst mother ever letting my kids drink Starbuck's - those are decaf, the one is mine and we let the kids split one, a super special treat from Grammy Ginny.

Eiland Family

It poured all morning. At 11am the sun popped out and it was suddenly beautiful! I was so excited because we had this photo shoot planned and they had family in from all over. I'm really thrilled with the way this one went, everyone was way into it. I love working with these large families, they are always a blast.
I am so thankful to God for this gift. My photography has really taken off in these past six months and I can see God's hand all over it. I love doing this and it's just been such a joy, I give Him all the glory!

Present Opening.

We had so much fun this morning. As the sun peaked up Eli crept into our room wishing us a Merry Christmas! He was so patient. He wanted to snuggle a bit before we opened presents. I got up and got ready and then heard Sarah burst into our room "Santa CAME!!!" So cute. They were incredibly excited. We listened to the christmas story podcast - just a theatrical reading of Luke 2 as a family. We then prayed and thanked Jesus for all He did for us. Then Sarah started sorting out the presents. She recognizes all of our names, so that was really cool! We started oldest to youngest, but then just let the kids take turns. The big hits were definitely the DS - Eli is thrilled, can't believe he got THREE games! And Sarah was really excited about the Cabbage Patch Baby and the Polly Pockets. Oh, and her swimsuit, she's already wearing it! :) Rob loved his fire tools, we actually gave them to him last night. And he's pretty psyched about his sword. I received new dress pants, an awesome bracelet, 2 Fiesta dessert plates, makeup and Hawk Nelson - they rock. All in all, it was awesome and I'm so thankful for my family!
The kids were totally into the 'snow' on the ground and the half eaten cookies. It was awesome.
It's cold here today, so much that it actually frosted and made me think of snow. I'm thinking Rob should start us another fire. :) Merry Christmas!

Santa's been to our house...

The children are fast asleep in their beds, dreaming of reindeer and presents and jingling bells. Meanwhile, Santa's elves have been hard at work in our living room! :)


What a fantastic day as a family. I got a lot of housework done. Rob watched Underdog with the kiddos. We enjoyed a beautiful candlelight service at church. I got to sit on the platform, that was a thrill. :) Then we came home and enjoyed roast beef via/ the crockpot - yum! Rob started a fire for us and we toasted marshmallows and drank hot cocoa. Then we sprinkled reindeer food on the lawn and left out our cookies for Santa. Sarah was bouncing off the walls yelling "I hear REINDEER!" every five seconds. Not sure if it was the sugar or if she really was that excited for Santa. They totally get it this year and it's so fun. I'm just realizing we won't have too many of these christmas's at home as a family, and so our traditions are important. Right now the fire is crackling and I can feel it's warmth but it doesn't compare to the warmth in my heart when I think about my wonderful family. I am blessed.

I've got a slew of photos to share, from the service, evidence of Santa (see how he left snow on the tile?) and fun photos that Eli took of Rob and I, photos with the timer too. The jammies were a big hit. I can't wait for the morning!