Christmas cookies

Every year we received a much anticipated package of Christmas goodies from my grandmother. Sometimes the contents varied, or maybe they didn't and my memory is cloudy, but I remember two things that were included every year. Gumdrop fruitcake. I'm not ashamed to admit that I picked the gumdops out of that fruitcake (and slightly cringed if a crumb was stuck to it). I mentioned it a few days ago to my mother, who told me that she also picked out the gumdops. Who kew? Unlike my mother, I never acquired a taste for it. I learned at a young age that fruit cake was not for me. I don't know if I have ever tried any other fruit cake to this day. No offense if you have given us one. Turns out that it wasn't fruitcake, but Gumdrop cake. My sister informed me of this a few days ago. Doesn't really change my opinion of fruitcake, and I will still probably avoid it.

The other treat, that I very much looked forward to, was frosted Christmas Tree cookies. She didn't just frost them with green frosting, she decorated them with a yellow candy star on top and even the edible silver balls. Those were edible, right?

They looked amazing. They tasted great. I loved them. I still do.

One Already???

We love this cute Little Angel. It is hard to believe that she is over a year old now. She is so much fun. She brings smiles and laughter and more love into our home. We can't get enough of her. Happy Birthday!

The Apple of his Eye

Translation:

The apple of my eye is my mom because she helps me with my homework and she makes sure that I don't get hurt ever. I love her.

Mr. Mister

It makes my heart smile.

Thank You, Veterans!

Our daughters school put on a Veteran's Day Program this morning. I knew it was going to be be an emotional experience. Especially as I got choked up watching elderly veterans and their wives walking into the building.

After a scout troop posted the colors, the band played the National Anthem. If that wasn't enough to get my eyes moist, I heard Veterans around me softly singing along. Part of me wanted to join in, and the other part didn't want to ruin the amazing experience it was to listen to them. I just listened. And cried.

The orchestra played patriotic music. The kids shared their gratitude for the sacrifices that were made and the freedom that was fought for. The chorus sang patriotic songs. Our daughter had the opportunity to invite all the Veterans to please stand as the chorus sang the fight song of the branch of the military that they served in. They started with the Army fight song, then they did the Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, and then the Air Force. Words cannot express the atmosphere in the room. It was amazing.

The students made flag pins that they passed out to the Veterans that they invited. The Princess of Awesomeness brought one to my dad, who served in the Army. One to Jay's dad, representing his father, who served in the Air Force. And one to me, representing her father, who is currently serving in the Air Force. Unfortunately, he was not able to attend today.

As they ended the assembly with everyone singing "God Bless America" they had the students pull a huge flag over their heads. It was incredible.

It was an amazing experience and I am grateful for the opportunity that I had to go. I am grateful that they are teaching these kids about the sacrifices that have been made. And that continue to be made for them. I am thankful for the men and women who have served and sacrificed for this great nation. I thank you all, from the depths of heart, for what you have done and what you continue to do. Freedom comes at a cost, and I am thankful for the price that has been paid. No, "Freedom isn't Free."

Sisters

The Princess of Awesomeness waited 10 long years to get her baby sister. After four brothers, she was ready. She loves her brothers, but there is definitely a special bond between these sisters. I love it. I love to see it, and I love to document it. They are so fun and so amazing.

We love these girls!

Twelve

"Just wait until you've been married six years."

Some friends of our, who had been married for six years at that time, told us that. They had just commented on the fact that we were acting like newly weds and asked how long we had been married. We told them that we had been married for just a little over three years. That's when they uttered the pronouncement that by the time we had been married for six years, our days of acting like newly weds would be long gone.

Well, we have now been married for six years times two, and we are still acting like newly weds! Perhaps our friends' dire prophecy of the end of our newly wed phase subconsciously motivated us to prove them wrong. We have been married 12 years, and people still comment on how much we act like newly weds. Our kids are so used to it that they don't even bat an eye to walk in and see us making out in the kitchen!

I am so thankful to married to the most amazing woman in the world. Sherrie has blessed and enriched my life in more ways than I could ever name. I am a better man for her influence. I love her with all my heart! I feel such love, respect, and affection from her.

Twelve years ago we joined our lives and our hearts and became one. Unity is the hallmark of our relationship. People throw about phrases like, "you complete me." In my case, however, it is really true. Sherrie really has made me whole and complete.

Thank you for twelve great years, Sherrie! I am so excited to spend the rest of eternity with you!

I suppose we should congratulate ourselves on making it twice as far as that apparently critical six year point; let's go make out!

Baby Callum

What a joy it is to photograph such a sweet little baby that has just come into the world. There is such an amazing spirit that surrounds them. This little guy was super calm and patient with me. His big sisters love him so much. It was fun to see how they cared for him and tried to make sure he was comfy and cozy.

Thank you for the opportunity to photograph such an important addition to your fabulous family.

Our kids

We think they are pretty amazing.

And pretty stinkin' cute.

50 years

Today, September 15, 2011, marks 50 years that my parents have been married. All 10 of their children, most of the spouses, and quite a few grandchildren were able to come from all over the country and even Canada. It has been 10 years since we were last able to all be together. What a great experience it was. We were able to celebrate as a family, and we also had a reception where so many of their wonderful friends came to celebrate and show their love and appreciation. My heart was truly full, and still is as I reflect on it.

How grateful I am for such fabulous, giving parents. Their isn't anything they wouldn't do to help someone out. They have always set such an amazing example of love and charity. They sacrifice so much for others. They work, they play, they love their family. Deeply. And beautifully. I feel so blessed to be a part of their family.

Mom and Dad, Happy Anniversary! Congratulations on 50 years of happiness and here's to many more. We love you!

Three spouses were missing from this pic. Our plan is to put them in.

10 kids. Crazy...

...but fun. Right?!

This fabulous cake was made by Jay's mom, Tammy Johnson. Isn't she amazing? Love her.