Family Photo Shoot

I LOVE having family pictures taken. I probably love it more than anyone else in my family; but, they will all rise to the occasion and have family pictures taken (because they know mama will go c-r-a-z-y if they don't cooperate...I'm serious about that!) My friend Michelle Swierczek, took these. She does a great job and is patient with my crew! Thank you Michelle! If any O'Fallon peeps are interested in having a shoot with her, let me know.

So, there was one minor problem on the morning of this session- Jordan's sweater was way too big and I had to come up with another one. One out of his closet that would match us, because I only realized it was too big 15 minutes before we needed to be walking out of the door. Seriously, I could have avoided that fit I pitched if I would have just tried the sweater on him prior to the day of him needing to wear it...that only makes too much sense...huh?!?! On the way to have the pictures taken and after my fit was over (I know it's hard to imagine me having one of those, but I really did) I asked the kids what they remembered about me when it comes to taking pictures. I don't think ya'll want to know what they said! The older two just stared at me; the looks on their faces said it all. Jannah was the first one to speak up and say that I act crazy. It was a funny moment, we all laughed about it and I told myslelf I really needed to simmer down! Yes, I may act crazy and get a little uptight when things don't go perfect, and I might pitch a fit here and there, and I might threaten or bribe to get my three J's to cooperate for pictures. Is it worth it? I suppose so; especially when I am CRAZY about the finished product and especially when I look back on these pictures...20 or 30 years from now!

Easter Sunday 2009

It was a great day! We started with one of the kids favorite activities, pictures. We were ready early, so I took them outside, before breakfast to capture those kodak moments. After success (Mama was thrilled with that), we went to the Watts' for monkey bread. That was followed by church and then a hearty meal, where I ate way too much. We enjoyed the day with family and friends as we reflected and celebrated the resurrection of Christ.

These beautiful Easter outfits were made with love by Gama

the sunshine was a little too bright to keep eyes open

the 5 of us

the Bailey's and Watts'

Kelly and Shara

Happy Thanksgving

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good: his mercy endures forever" Psalm 107:1

On this Thanksgiving Day, I do thank the Lord for all he has given me. His love for me, his goodness and mercy, and the blessings he so generously pours upon me and my family day after day. The truth is God's goodness is so vast, he's already given me more than I deserved or could have asked for.

Our day was spent with our friends, as we ate a delicious dinner at church. After dinner, we had 2 families over and we played cards, while all of the kids played; truly, the day was wonderful.

my friend, Kristie

Jordan, Alyssa & Jannah

Jordan & Alyssa playing at church

Our church has apartments above it. As we left, there was a bunny sitting on the couch of the foyer (I know that sounds silly, but seriously... it was). One of the Korean residents that lives in the apartments and also goes to our church had left it there. The kids were beyond thrilled to pet and hold the bunny! This may have been one of the highlights for their day! Our little friend Alyssa announced that she wanted a white bunny like that for Christmas :)

Alyssa & Jannah playing...in their matching pj's

the adults playing

Our Family Painting

One of the many things that's on the list of "must do's" while in Korea is have a picture or two painted. There are many talented painters in the local area, maybe 10 or so. My favorite is a man named Joseph. He has a studio off-base, but he's at the BX, two days a week, working magic with a paintbrush. I'm not sure how far he comes from, but he rides his bike onto the base; and he has his paintings strapped onto the back of his bike. I would be nervous to make that kind of a commute, but I suppose you do what you gotta do!

We gave him the picture, along with a few requests/changes to make, back in June. He usually takes 2-3 months, and the cost is minimal for such a piece of work! We're happy with it; especially with how the kids look. He painted every detail to a tee! He gave us darker complexions than we have...but that's okay. I'd like to have another portrait painted of the kids before we leave...we shall see!

Sunday Finest