What Captures the Heart: 2008

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas... 2008

Lauren's New Business...

Scott's family at Christmas

The worst part about this year's celebration was that my sister and her family were not able to be here with us. The best part about this year's celebration was that my sister and her family joined us this year through webcam and skype..... What a blessing.

We had a great time being together and exchanging gifts. Children are always the most fun to watch open gifts. My niece, Kate, made sure to help everyone open their gifts. My nephew, Will, smiled and enjoyed opening presents at his very first Christmas. My three young ones were so grown up and respectful as they made sure to thank each person and show real appreciation for the gift. I was so proud of their behavior. I always love watching each person open their gifts... gifts that I spent time thinking about them and choosing something that they might enjoy. I like to see if I chose wisely... if they really like the gift... did I choose something that they really had not thought about needing or wanting? It is always fun for me.

My parents bought me the coolest reflector for taking photos. I wanted one and they did a great job selecting the right one. I can't wait to try it out. My sister... wow... she really surprised me. I have always know she was talented.... but she has started a business with a friend where they make silver hand stamped jewelry. She made me a beautiful necklace. I absolutely love it. I love it more that she made it for me. I am so proud of her....

This year... Scott and I decided for the first time to refrain from purchasing gifts from one another..... let me just say now.... bad idea.... I did not know how much I would miss having him select something just for me.... no matter how small or large..... i missed that.

I am so proud that my kids are so easy to please. They are totally happy with whatever they are given. That is a great thing.

Christmas was extra hard this year.... but you would never have known it. My dad was laid off from Radio Shack after almost 30 years.... in a time where we should have forgone gifts... they still gave. I am so proud of the way that my parents are handling this crisis. They are trusting that God has things under control. He will show them how He will provide for them in this hard time. I am so blessed by such great parents.

I pray that your Christmas has been as much a blessing as mine has been.

Scott's parents are coming tomorrow. We look forward to more time with them.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Between perfection and Disaster

Someone recently pointed out that my blog makes it seem like my life is perfect. Far from it... my life is a constant flux between incredible moments... many that I don't even notice... and near disaster.... sometime all the way to disaster. I have people in my life that are able to break my fall sometimes and other times I have to learn things on my own.

like how to keep my house clean with three children and no time to clean...

like how to give of my time when there is no time to give...

like how to get all of the Christmas presents wrapped and under the tree before Christmas Eve...

like how to get presents in the mail and to Colorado...

like how to help my son be a fluent reader....

like how to keep up with all of the things I need to keep up with...

like how to give my kids the attention they need and not the attention they want...

like how to keep my marriage exciting and interesting after 17 years of marriage...

like how to find time to edit all of the photos I have taken and get them to the people that are waiting for them...

like how to be the person I was meant to be....

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Christmas pictures on a Sunday afternoon...

Today, I had the opportunity to take photos of my brother, Josh, and his family in their Christmas outfits. I was so proud of the little ones... so close to nap time and they did great. I hope you enjoy them. It is easy to see all of the personality that God has given Kate..... Zizi loves you baby.... My little man, Will, such a lover. I never tire of those wet kisses.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

When you would rather be anywhere but here.....

It is one of those days. I am typically in meetings most days.... longing to be in my office for just a little while. Today.... I have been in my office all day long. The weather is so blustery cold.... All I can think about is the hundred different places that I would rather be than work. So I think I will post some pictures that take my mind away from boring grown up life.....

Chatting face to face with my sister... who lives too far away

Photographing moments that pass by too quickly...

Having nowhere to go...nowhere to be....

Holding a brand new baby....

Eating my favorite dessert.... Cheesecake from Saltgrass

Watching my kids play in the sand, listening to the waves...

Sunset on my back porch.....

Who doesn't love Disney?

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Sneek Peek

Happy 1st Anniversary
Chance and Lindsay

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Little Cabin in the Woods

Our 17th Anniversary getaway was incredible. We stayed at Trickle Creek Cabins in Chaulk Mountain, Texas. I found them on the internet... a treasure. We stayed in the cabin called Morning Glory. It was absolutely perfect.
The creek... it is fed by a spring... one of the two springs in the area. It is truly just a trickle...

Our cabin was just a stone's throw away from the hot tub cabana.... see it in the oak trees on the right... It was fabulous. Sitting in the hot tub, looking at the sun set over the landscape was so relaxing. Out the front door of our cabin was the pond. The water level was down pretty far, but it was so still and calming.

The horses were so pretty. We had the fortune of being there at feeding time one afternoon. Mr. Mackey fed the horses, cats and the wild turkeys he raises. It was really cool to be so close to a wild turkey. They are really big birds. Scott is not a horse lover... but I think he even liked these horses.

We had an exceptional time exploring the 160 acres on the property. It was truly a peaceful time for both of us. We took the camera along to capture some of the images that moved us. I shot this one of Scott while he wasn't looking... I love it. It really felt like we were the only people in the world for the time we were there. It was what each of us needed. We will never forget our time at Trickle Creek Cabins. Thank you to my parents. We could not have gone and been so relaxed if we did not know that our kids were going to be taken care of so well. You do so much for us. We cannot thank you enough.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Uncle Scott and Ace do some "hanging out"

Breleigh loves her grandad.... he is a good nap buddy.

Lindsay is so pretty. We are so happy this December for she and Chance to celebrate their first anniversary.

My little Madison took a turn with the camera. Looks like she has quite the eye for photography too.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Saturday is too short

Today I actually did a bit of laundry and cleaning.... groomed Eloise, moved some furniture.... did not go shopping at all... but the best part of the day was holding my sleeping nephew.... for four hours while he slept.... nothing can compare to a sleeping baby on your chest... so relaxing..