the cape.

on vacation this week. loving life with our family. the boys are having a blast and mommy has gotten some time to relax. life is good :) feeling blessed.

icicle.

today.

As I was taking a minute to thank God for my baby boys, I had a light bulb moment of sorts. I am so thankful for their sweet, innocent love. A love that does not hold grudges, that forgives easily, a love that is free and untarnished. That even on those days that I mess up, yell, am impatient and tired- they still come back to me. They still look at me with the same sweet eyes and do not hold back their love and tender kisses.

And what exactly was the light bulb? That THIS is the way that God loves me. That even on days when I don't take the time to thank him, that I am stubborn, angry, selfish, feel too tired, He still loves me. Just the way I am.

I Corinthians 13:4-7: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵ or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶ It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷ Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

14.

I love this man. This year we will have been together for 14 years and will celebrate our 8 year wedding anniversary.
Wouldn't have it any other way. Look forward to growing old with him.

the girls.

Jocelyn and Gabriella.

Braden and Gabi.

peaceful.

Peacefully sleeping.

the other day.

Carter was insisting on watching tv with his neck all weird like this..

but I did get a cute shot of his face like this :)

Incredibles.

For the last three days Braden has asked to watch the movie The Incredibles. When we allow them, they hop up on the couch and sit next to each other just like this. Love it, love them.

Snow day.

We woke up to this.

[expecting around 12 inches by the time its all done]

So it was a good day to organize, do laundry, play games with the boys..

And of course, build snow forts.

[courtesy of rob and braden- mommy and cartie were happily napping]

Year in Review [2010]

2010 was quite the year and I can barely believe that it's over. There were a lot of highs and lows and defining moments for us as a family. I'm very excited for this coming year and all that it will bring! Just wanted to look back for a minute and remember some of the moments..

In January I really started exploring and going deeper with my camera. I wanted to get to know it better. It started with some instructional dvds I got for Christmas by Merakoh. I learned more about shooting in Manual and how to control my camera to get [or at least try] the shots I wanted. I also started on my 365 photo deal.

In March Carter turned 1! I can hardly believe how quickly that first year went by.

In April Rob, the boys and I moved back into our own place. After spending a year living with my parents, although we are still grateful for their generosity, we were ready to be back in our home. We also had the chance to go to Puerto Rico and visit with my grandparents.

June- I took the very first shots of someone outside of my family. Cari, a new friend at the time, had asked me to take some belly shots for her. Awesome and absolutely nerve racking opportunity :)

July, we got to go back to Cape Cod with Rob's parents. We had an awesome time relaxing, playing, and on the beach. It was the hottest week every, perfect for the beach!

I also took my first online photography workshop with Maggie Holmes.

It was about time we had our family photos taken! In August my friend Leah took our very first professional family photos as a family of four.

September- My first belly shoot which also happened to be my sister and her family. We had so much fun.

Braden got rid of his paci! I wasn't sure this day would come or that it would be as smooth a transition as it was!

Halloween was so fun this year. Braden was super hyped about trick or treating and being iron man.

Gabriella was born in November! Felt like we were waiting for her for so long- but she was worth the wait, perfect!

December was a busy month. Our first (successful) Gingerbread house..

Braden turned 4!

And we celebrated New Years with our wonderful family.

Looking forward to all that 2011 will bring!

Christmas.

We had a fabulous Christmas! Hope that yours was wonderful too!

4.

I can hardly believe that four years have gone by since my Braden was born! It's so true when people tell you to enjoy every moment. He's gone through some interesting stages this past year, many quite difficult to deal with, but he is truly a great little guy. He has brought so much joy into our lives.

Thursday, yes he's one of those "lucky" Christmas babies, we had some lunch and cake to celebrate for him. He was so excited and it made watching him open his gifts great. We are blessed!

Braden at ten months.