Family Pictures: Michael & Charlynn

Family Pictures: Kiddos

Family Pictures: Ryan

Family Pictures: Benjamin

Family Pictures: Bekah

 

 

 

Playing with My New Camera

On Saturdays when Daddy took the two older ones skiing, Ryan and I would go on adventures of our own to exciting and exhotic places like the dinosaur museum and farm country. On one trip, I was able to test out my new camera that I purchased after months of saving.

 

Ski Babies

This year, Michael shared his love for playing on the slopes with the children and taught the two oldest how to ski, with the help of some friends. I even made it up there one day and took some pictures of them playing. Ryan did not want to be left out and so he convinced dad to carry him down the hill while snowboarding. The kids love it!

 

I'm Where I'm Suppose to Be

Last night I had the usual nightmares about being back in high school and something embarrassing happening. Well, first one high school and then another, but at least not all four of the high schools I attended. Upon waking I was so confused and befuddled I decided to look up some high school friends on Facebook and see if they were actually as crazy as they had been in my dream. (My dream was a combination of being in high school but dealing with my current life events at the same time. More than a little weird.)

What I discovered is that while a lot of the people I went to high school (not the one I graduated from, but the other ones) are not living the lives I would have expected them to be living after high school. The guys I was interested in do not share the same values (more lifestyle than religious), goals, or achievements I share with my husband and while they are still good people I am so glad I didn't end up with any of them permanently. I do have to admit it was kind of weird to find some people who spouted big dreams in high school still living the same way they did in high school plus a kid or two. Not quite what I expected from such big dreamers. Other friends who share my religious values and did go on to college are living similar lifestyles to my own. I couldn't find some friends on Facebook, and I am still wondering about them.

Overall, I don't think my crazy dream was an accurate or true reflection of reality, but it was good to help me reflect that I am where I am suppose to be, headed in the direction I need to go. A good reminder for those days when I'm frustrated with not having accomplished everything I wanted to for that day, or even at this point in my life. Had I chosen a different path I would not be where I am today and I am grateful be where I am.

The Difference of a Year

Today, we had our annual picture taking session. This time I wasn't as stressed as last time. Still stressed, but not as much. To give you a better idea of my stress level, I spent less than an hour this morning putting together our outfits whereas last year I spent the whole week trying to come up with the "right" combination and went shopping at three different stores. The kids did great and we have some awesome pictures again. I love the place we get our pictures taken at!

 

I uploaded the pictures to my computer and I couldn't help but notice how much we have changed in the last year. I expected it with Ryan seeing how he is only two and still changing a ton every day, but we have all changed and it is fun to see.

 

2013 

2012