A family tradition

Every fall we get family pictures taken, although the last few years the parents have not joined in the fun.  ;)  
Is it just me, or are family pictures a somewhat stressful event?   Anyway, this year we did pretty well--  I have a friend who is a great photographer (thanks, Ferrill!) and off we went to get some pictures.

Needless to say, with five kids (and two of them are very squirmy), there were lots of out-takes.  But in the end we did manage to get some good shots 

This last one cracks me up because right before and right after this shot Sarah was whining and pouting.  But this one is great!

Do all parents get nostalgic when they see their kids shiny, clean, and smiling?
Because these pictures make me feel like even with all of our struggles, mistakes, and bad days... well, it just gives me hope that maybe we are doing OK.
Parenting is a hard gig, and sometimes I think it is really hard for me to see the forest for the trees...but when the day is done, and I fall into bed-- exhausted-- I pray that we are remembering what's most important.   


And then I get up in the morning and try a little harder to be a little better. :)  


And because I'm feeling nostalgic...here's a trip down memory lane:

Three years ago, this was our first picture as a family of five kiddos. Sarah had been home for only a few weeks and both Sarah and Jason still had their sweet baby cheeks!!   My, how they've all grown!   {sigh!}


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and now he's 6 !

Jason is now SIX!

Jason has learned a lot of new things lately.  He can ride his new birthday bike without training wheels.  He loves school and is a great little reader.  

I love the time we get to spend together in the afternoon. Sarah and I will both miss him when he goes off to first grade next year.

Happy birthday to my sweet boy!  We. love. you!

reunited

You may remember this post about a little boy and a very large dog.  

The little boy (who looks much older now!) was reunited with his favorite canine friend over Thanksgiving.   Columbo (the big hairy beast) belongs to my brother and his wife.  My brother is in the army and was recently sent to Germany.... so my parents got custody of the dog.    ;)

Jason was very excited to have both sets of grandparents and Columbo visit us over Thanksgiving weekend.  And I can't believe I didn't get one picture of our big family feast!  I snapped this shot the next morning.   Jason is in his pajamas because that's how we roll on a holiday weekend.

We have already gotten a few snowstorms.   The older I get, the less excited I am about winter/snow.   Blah.  Anyway, I had to take a picture of my three youngest.  I don' think Jason and Sarah are going to want to wear these cute snow hats much longer.   So it has to be documented.  :)  

I don't know if I've ever specifically mentioned it... but I am having the best time dressing my little girl.  I'm like a kid in a candy store when it comes to dresses and little girl shoes.  I have a serious weakness (my hubby would say addiction) when it comes to little girls' shoes.  And this comes from someone who is not particularly fond of shopping and doesn't have lots of clothes/shoes.  So it's like a whole new world.  The accessories!  The hairbows!  The shoes!! (have I mentioned the shoes?).   Anyway, you get the idea.   


We have one more birthday this week... and then I really need to switch into my Christmas "high gear."  :)  Wow, December is almost here!