The Perfect Christmas Picture

About this time every year I put myself and my family through this. The Christmas card photo shoot. Oh my! It is loads of fun! But I press in and push through anyway. Mainly because I know how much I will treasure these photos in years to come. Even though it can be stressful, hectic and just plain difficult- I still love taking pictures of my kids. It's not about getting the perfect picture for me, I do love if and when that happens, but more than that I really just want to capture their childhood. I want to document it. I want to remember it and most importantly I want them to remember and cherish it. So for fun I thought I would leave you with some of the many out takes from my attempt last year! I wouldn't trade these pictures for anything. They are priceless to me. Enjoy!

This is always good....

and this....even better.

How about this one?

And this?

There we go....that's it!

and ..................perfection!!

A Teddy Bear Picnic Birthday Party

One of Ashton's Gifts

The Party Table

The entry table with lots of goodies!

Emma Pearl in all of her fluff!

More of Pearl

My sweet friend Jennifer ...

(She was the very first P and G reader I met in real life just this year and we have since become really good friends! By the way, she just had a baby one week ago!!)

My dear friend Hastings holding her 8 day old miracle!!!

I have just received permission from her to share her story with all of you. It is amazing, encouraging and will make you fall in love with the Father all over again.....can't wait.

One of the favors...

Teddy Bear Tea Cakes....

Mama and Baby Bear

Caramel Cake. It. was. incredible.

Making a wish....

Delicious dot com.

Those lips.......

A sweet friend enjoying every bite!

And look at Graham! Isn't he adorable in his little bow tie?

Can I just say that his Mama made this bow tie...along with a matching belt!!

She also drove a VERY LONG WAY with three children all by

herself just to come to Ashton's party! She is amazing!!!!

This is his Mama!

My amazing friend Kellie with her twins,

Madison and Mason!

She is one incredible Mother and she parents with so much love and grace.

Her children are the absolute sweetest......

Big Brother Bennett waiting on his cake....

We had the most wonderful day. It was full of love, laughter, sunshine, incredible friends, great food, backyard football and photo sessions and the opportunity to celebrate our fifth gift. Our hearts are overflowing with thanksgiving this week for these reasons and so many more......

My Baby Bear

My baby bear recently turned one. Big sigh. The smallest member of our family has almost overnight turned into this precious little toddler. It is heart warming and heart breaking all at the same time. I find myself just staring at him throughout the day... while I'm putting in the tenth load of laundry or washing the dishes for the third time that day. I just stop and pick him up and hold him as long as I possibly can. This is what heaven must smell like....... a sweet baby boy. He is absolutely delicious and is the most mild mannered, easy going, happy and cheerful member of our entire family! We are blessed and my cup runneth over because he was born. Truly. He is more than I ever dreamed I would have. What a gift and a treasure in this earthen vessel I have in my precious son. My heart is thankful this week as I prepare for his first birthday celebration. We are having a teddy bear picnic with lots of goodies and giggles and treats! I am looking forward to it and will post pictures after the weekend. I hope that you all have a blessed week and spend lots of time being present in the moment with each of your precious baby bears......