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We had a marvelous time away over Christmas. I am so grateful for God sending His Son, for Robert and the kids, for my parents and family, for the beach, for wonderful memories, for the fun of giving. Receiving isn't half bad either - I've a new pair of tall black boots my sister-in-law gave me and I can't wait for the opportunity to wear them out.
If I can't get out, maybe I should wear them around the house because they are that pretty and I just want to wear them.
We celebrated with the children here at the house Christmas Eve. Christmas Day we celebrated at church and then that night down at the beach with family. Monday we celebrated again when more family came down. I really am not celebrated out either. I think Christmas is good year round.
Course today is New Year's Eve. Something indeed great to celebrate. To finish one year and approach the next with gratefulness, newness, a fresh start is a blessing. Everything in 2011 is left behind - the good and the not so good.
By far the best thing that 2011 brought was Haven.
Speaking of 2011 - It was August and my second born boy who is jammed full of creativity came to me and said, "Mom, have you thought of a neat idea for our Christmas pictures this winter?"
Nope I hadn't. I was closing in on the longest in the world pregnancy ever and a summer with endless days over 100. I looked at Shelton and said, "Shoot - tell me your ideas. . . anything is more than mine at this point."
He and I did some chatting about it and started our slow collection of fun outfits from thrift shops and did some sketching of ideas and such on some notebook paper. He is awesomely out-of-the-box when it comes to stuff like this and we'd come up with a sweet plan. Someday.
Fall came and went, winter started - I got this feeling life wasn't going to slow down before Christmas. The weather turned nasty and pictures were surely not priority.
Christmas came and went. It was nice to just let it go - no worries about it. Robert said, "Just send out Valentine's Day cards, Hon."
We were packing to head out of town over Christmas. I threw everyone in a pair of jeans, a few nicer shirts for the girls. "Maybe," I thought, "Just maybe the day we leave we can just throw on some jeans and such and just snap some shots. . ."
Morning pictures aren't ideal - tired eyes, bright sun/squinting, energetic toddlers, napping baby.
I've had numerous dear women write this past month and ask my advice on getting a good family picture when there are lots of little ones involved. I'm not here to say I've figured that out lol! But while I'm on the subject, and to answer everyone all at once, here is what I would suggest to help the process - and what I chose to do when we did ours the other day:
-Have reasonable expectations - like none. (therefore no stress)
-Make it fun. (play, kiss, hug - for real)
-Make it rewarding. (we went to the candy shop on our way to the beach and each kid got a little bag of their own. After taking pictures, they ate their treats. Including Robert)
-Wear comfort if you can make it look cute.
-Forget posing, let the kids suggest ideas, stay on the move.
-Throw around hats and scarfs and those who want them can use them, even if they don't match.
-Don't worry about tears and dirt, or outfit malfunctions. That's life. (reality is memorable, perfection not so much)
-Do it quick. (don't take oogles of shots, realize the attention span of most people = how old they are)
-Take Uncle Seth. (funny people make life always more tolerable)
-Take Aunt Abby. (she tolerates me telling her what to do with the camera and she is just plain awesome)
-Play afterwards with the kids - way longer then the pictures took to do.
-Pray together anytime there is potential for chaos. (which is pretty much always  )
Twas an awesome day. I only stressed out once - when Bub almost dropped Baby because he said he had sand and sun in his eyes and couldn't see. She was caught just fine. His eyes were fine too.
So Happy New Year!
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Youngest boy, youngest girl. They're quiet, very huggable. Sweet. Observant. Amazing adaptability!
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Our third borns. They are both passionate, strong, determined, energetic, always have a plan. Leaders. Love to laugh.
  
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These two 2nd borns are both sensitive, creative, left-handers, love music and the arts. Compassionate. Love hard.
 
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First borns. Opposite in personality, yet they're very good friends. Team players, trustworthy, studious. Encouragers.
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(Baby didn't like the idea of waking up.)
Each is unique and special in their own ways. . .
We can't imagine life without them. We are undeserving. We are in love with each one!
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Celebrating 15 years together in 2012. It's only gotten better!
We're so glad we not only love each other but ENJOY each other very much!
God has done so much in our hearts in regards to appreciating our differences. . .
and rejoicing in our similarities.
He has used trials and suffering to wedge our hearts as one, and used blessings and wonderful times to make memories that will last a life time. We rejoice in our Heavenly Father who does not give up on us and lovingly draws us to look to Him more to find our ultimate satisfaction and fullness of joy.
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Crazy-fun attempt to get all ten of us!
I think a video of it would be much more enjoyable/memorable then the actual pictures. 
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I'm so excited to start a new year.
Many of you out there "on the other side of the blog" have been used of God to encouraged me through your messages this past year.
Thank you.
Happy New Year to all!
A. Ann |
| | Posted 12/31/2011 12:14 PM - 1113 Views
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