Happy Thanksgiving

We hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day full of good food, relaxation and good company.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His love endures forever.
Psalm 118:1

We were blessed to spend today at mom Cooper's house where we feasted like kings and queens. We were joined by 2 of my sisters and their families, my Grandparents and mom & dad Tinker. It was a wonderful day! We are thankful to be SO blessed!

More Rappelling Fun

The first weekend of November, my brother-in-law, Mike, took some of the older kids from our homeschool group to Red Rock Canyon to rappel.

The first hour, they did team building games. It was fun to watch and the kids all seem to have lots of fun playing them.


(I love this shot of my hubby - my mountain man!)



Here's a shot of the whole group.

Cameron really thought he would get to rappel this time. We keep telling him he has to be 8. When the kids started their climb up, Cameron was right behind them! When I brought him back to me, he just cried and cried. He thinks he is such a big kid!

Here's a shot of Brendan coming down


And a close up

Cameron kept himself busy climbing in the tress. I think he had fun after all.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I've been inspired by my dear friend, Amanda's blog where she wrote her out her Christmas list.

I can't say it any better than she did, so I'll share what she wrote (hope you don't mind, AL)

"...For some, this time of year brings a bit of tension. The joy of celebrating and the stress of buying. Choosing the right gift at the right price... Sometimes you find the right gift at the wrong price... or the right price only yields the wrong gift. You know? I don't believe that is the way God wants us to celebrate. Deep down, you don't believe it either. But somehow, those crazy-good-marketing-geniuses get to us. Every year.

I pray for wisdom as we make gift-giving decisions. I pray for a Christmas season that is enjoyable and pleasant; with treasured memories and lots of laughs.

...Remind yourself of what is important; and don't get suckered by the ad campaigns... I think Satan likes it too much when we do."

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." ~Luke 2:10

And, just like she made her Christmas list, I have made mine. I'll share it with you, but I ask that you will make one for your self. Post it where you can remember what you want this season to look like for you.

My Christmas List

1. Show Jesus’ love to others
2. Be thankful
3. Enjoy and treasure life’s moments
4. Look for ways to give to others, teaching the boys to share
5. Spend more time encouraging & loving my children
6. Spend more time helping my husband be all he can be
7. Celebrate Jesus. His mercy and love.
8. Stay home more
9. Bake lots of cookies to share with all
10. Enjoy Fires in the fireplace
11. Enjoy Christmas music
12. Enjoy Reading (for myself, for my kids)
13. Enjoy Snuggling while watching good movies
14. Enjoy Rest
15. Enjoy Friends & Family
16. Avoid over crowded stores with cranky shoppers
17. Be very thankful
18. Encourage others to make their own list

Taelyn's First Birthday

We had 3 fun-filled sister days (Thur-Sat) as we helped Jess get ready for Taelyn's first birthday. Here's a peek into the fun we had!

Anyone seen my camera?

Oh yes, it's collecting dust on my desk! Sorry for the lack of updates lately.

November IS turning out to be a pretty low key month for us. Most days we're just plugging away at life (work, school and play). We're reading The BFG together as a family, a book I remember fondly from my childhood. We're looking forward to having daddy home for 4 days during the Thanksgiving break and looking forward to lots of yummy food with great family.

Baby (or babies, if you ask Cameron) keeps my tummy upset throughout most days but we're making it. Cameron says his sister AND his brother are in my belly. I'm looking forward to the ultrasound!!!

My precious niece turns 1 this weekend and I'm sure it will be a fantastic party. Definitely photo opps there! Mom & dad are in NY with my dad's dad. The nursing home was basically abusing him; certainly NOT taking care of him. But they seem to be getting him the help he needs. I'm so glad they were able to go.

I have been paid to do my first wedding photo shoot at the end of the month. I'm so nervous and quite excited about it. God has really been opening the door for me to bring in some extra income through photography. It's been an exciting time for me.

So, hopefully, I'll have some pictures to share soon. Thanks for reading our blog. ♥ you all!

Recognize These Folks?

No worries! You shouldn't! I just wanted to share that I had 3 - yes THREE - PAYING photo shoots last weekend! Woo Hoo!!!


On a side note: I charge extra for pets but in reality, I shouldn't. I should charge extra for kids! :-)