Photo Shoot with Dphotography

Really? Is it December 29th and I am going all the way back to October for this post. However, I wanted it in before the end of the year.

For a while now, I have wanted Brandon and I to have our pictures made professionally. So in the fall, our favorite season of the year, we made an appointment with Dphotography.

Derrah is the photographer and does an amazing job! She is extremely creative and is super easy to work with. She encourages you to bring items that represents your style, life, etc. and allows the client to be a part of the preparation process as in suggesting your favorite location as a place for your shoot. And for the super boring people, like me and Brandon, she has options of her favorite locations, that turn out great and we were not disappointed!

Be sure to click on the link above to check out Derrah's blog and see some of her other work. Also, find her on Facebook under the name of Dphotography Derrah. You can register for a FREE session by sending her a private message with your info. The drawing will be January 5th so don't miss out!

I can't wait for us to do this again!

Christmas 2010

One Handsome Shepherd

Last night, Brandon & I went to Windy Gap to watch the Children's Christmas Program. All the kids did a great job, however, I must admit, there was one special shepherd up on stage. :) I was super proud of Lucas as he did his part perfectly. Granted, he didn't have a speaking part and all he had to do was come out, stand in front of the angel, and then sit down (on stage), but believe me, that was enough and we were proud of him for doing just as he was suppose to.

Just some background on how last year's Children's Christmas Program went: Lucas was a shepherd then too, except there was one other shepherd as well. He got very distracted by the rope that served as a belt on the other Shepherd and well, it sort of turned into a tug-of-war with the rope on stage - as it was tied around the kid's waist!

Anyhow, we are very proud of our little shepherd!

My pictures didn't turn out all that well. I think it was because I didn't have the flash on, but I didn't want to be annoying to the people around me as I frantically took lots of pictures. So, I stayed in my seat the whole time and took what I could. The blurry outcome proves to me why I should just get up and take whatever pictures I want :)

Our Handsome Shepherd, complete with staff and sheep.

These camels were the cutest thing!

Mary, Joseph & Jesus

Doing his best to sit still

Getting a little bored.

Sunday School Christmas Party

Last night our sunday school class from church came over for a White Elephant Christmas party. We had a great time and there were some pretty amazing gifts given :) It was great just getting to know each other a little better and having fun while doing it!

Maggie & Ryan
Taylor - Mr. Potato Head & Toy Story Floor Puzzle

Charissa - Hot Cocoa Mix

Matt -Set of Candles

Ryan - His & Her Body Power (complete with a satin puff)

The best gift winner!

Brett - Robot Grabber

Brandon - Beef Jerky

Aaron - Toy Pin Thing

Matt - Oatmeal Cookie Mix

Maggie - Noel Candle
Nancy - Reindeer Slippers

Charissa with her Christmas Card she made me :)

The whole gang!

McKenzie's Christmas Program

Thursday night, the whole family gathered on the front row at Trimont Christian Academy to watch McKenzie in her very first school Christmas Program. She, of course, did a great job as she sang her songs and smiled so big. It was exciting getting to watch her and be a part of such a fun time.

We were all so proud of her and enjoyed celebrating Christmas with her little class.

McKenzie & Reed Raby

Tis the Season to Be Jolly... Fa La La La La La La La La

(This blog was written a week ago, however, I am just now getting pictures up.)
Since Brandon & I went to our first Christmas Party of the season last night, I felt as though it was only appropriate to kick off the Christmas Season on the blog as well.

The day before Thanksgiving, we put up our Christmas tree. I did however feel like we owed it to Thanksgiving to its decorations out so we did. So for Thanksgiving Day, we had a Christmas tree up and shining in the midst of Thanksgiving decorations. It was great just the same. Friday night, Thanksgiving was packed away and Christmas decorations came out from hiding. It was a fun time.

Our Christmas Tree

My new-found love, Wood Wick Candle

Dining Table

The Nativity Scene that I love so much

Week of Thankfulness - Friday

Knowing that today is the last day of my Week of Thankfulness, I have struggled with committing to one specific thing, leaving everything else important to us out. Therefore, today I am thankful for blessings.

Lamentations 3:22-23 says:
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

Each new day brings blessings that only Christ alone can give. For all of those that are incredibly obvious as well as those that go unnoticed, we are thankful. May we return praise to the Giver of all things.

Oh, how we are thankful.