Something tangible to hold on to

I know I already talked about how important it is to get family pictures. 

Every time I see pictures of these boys holding my hand and laughing, it just makes me feel so...I can't even describe. Just incredibly happy. 

It makes me realize what I have.

This relationship I have with my 11 and 12 year old boys...it's not necessarily normal.

It's unusual these days to see a boy AJ's age talking to his mom, laughing with his mom, being comfortable with his mom.

It didn't just happen. 

It took a lot of work.

It took some major intentional planning to create the kind of relationships I have with my kids.

I don't take it for granted.

Not ever.

They are incredible kids. 

They are not perfect, but our family is very focused on communication.

If there is anything going on, 

we all gon' know about it, yo.

Ain't no secrets here baby.

I know...I'm so gangsta.

Our house is loud.
Like...super loud.
Adam has a really loud voice, which came in handy when the kids were babies.                                 Now they can literally sleep through anything.
Meaning, we are hoping there is never a fire because they would not hear the fire alarm! ha!
We like loud music, loud talking, loud laughing, and loud singing.
Hmmmm. Maybe I should re think why I get so many headaches.

And then there is this boy,
This boy I fell in love with in the 10th grade.

We are not perfect, but we are perfect for each other.

It takes work. 

Trust me...we are both very independent, strong willed people.

It is hard work to make sure that we are keeping our relationship the way God wants it to be.       

But I can't even imagine my life without him. 

I am blown away lately by the incredible grief that is all around me.

This family from NH who lost their husband/dad totally and completely unexpectedly.

Literally. No warning.

This family who lost their full term baby with no warning.

Just like that. Life can be taken.

I just want to be more thankful.

More appreciative for what I have.

Being able to have something tangible to hold on to is priceless to me.

Just priceless.

These pictures I have of my family mean so much to me.

I am holding on to Jesus. Yes. 

And I am holding on to the gifts He gave me...

I am holding on to my boys.

The boys that make me feel safe. Happy. Complete.

When is the last time you had pictures taken of your family? 

Pictures that captured you all together...just acting like - you?!

Go do it.

Seriously.