Fall Family Pictures

Once you see how cute these pictures are, you will forgive me for not posting in a while. My sister's best friend and now a good friend of mine, Kim Hoppert, took these. She was wonderful to work with. Her full-time job is as a teacher, but she really enjoys photography, and I think you'll agree, she is pretty good at it.

We were able to take several pictures of each of the kids, them together, and then some family ones. We did several of Simon because I will admit, like many parents, I haven't been as good the second time around. Plus, he is at a fun stage where he can pull himself up and stand. I had a hard time choosing, and I didn't include all of my favorites because you may see them later in a Christmas card.

It was a few weeks ago, and the weather was so great- actually a little warm with the sweaters and such on, but nice and sunny. The kids cooperated for the most part. We did have to do some jumping around and making funny noises to get Simon's attention a few times. He just wanted to pick at and eat the weeds. Kim is going to take some pictures at my sister's wedding (in 2 weeks!!!) too. She is one of the bridesmaids. I'm hoping those will look as great.

Enjoy

Looking for something to do this weekend?

Not too long ago, I wrote a post about a book and movie I saw that was so great I had to share. Well, this movie is even better. I'm not a great movie critic, but here is my "review" in four words

Convicting, Entertaining, Emotional, Inspiring

If you haven't heard anything about it, here is a little synaposis about the movie taken from here

Honor Begins at Home

Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, David Thomson, and Shane Fuller are confident and focused. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood.

While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they're quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark.

When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God ... and to their children?

Filled with action-packed police drama, COURAGEOUS is the fourth film from Sherwood Pictures, the moviemaking ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Riveted moviegoers will once again find themselves laughing, *crying*, and cheering as they are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children.

Protecting the streets is second nature to these men. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That's courageous.

(note: emphasis added on the word crying because I wanted to forewarn you to bring kleenex- maybe even a box)



I also wanted to mention that even though the main focus is about fathers and their role, I really felt some conviction and encouragement as a wife and mother too. Todd and I were talking after (I'm sure we'll have many more conversations this weekend too) about our role as parents and just how important it is. God has really not only given us this opportunity and blessed us with our children to raise in a Godly manner, but He has commanded us to and we are obligated if we want to be obedient to do so.

Here are the lyrics to the theme song by Casting Crowns
The youtube video is here

We were made to be courageous
We were made to lead the way
We could be the generation
That finally breaks the chains
We were made to be courageous
We were made to be courageous

We were warriors on the front lines
Standing, unafraid
But now we're watchers on the sidelines
While our families slip away

Where are you, men of courage?
You were made for so much more
Let the pounding of our hearts cry
We will serve the Lord

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

This is our resolution
Our answer to the call
We will love our wives and children
We refuse to let them fall

We will reignite the passion
That we buried deep inside
May the watchers become warriors
Let the men of God arise

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

Seek justice
Love mercy
Walk humbly with your God

In the war of the mind
I will make my stand
In the battle of the heart
And the battle of the hand

In the war of the mind
I will make my stand
In the battle of the heart
And the battle of the hand

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

We were made to be courageous
Lord, make us courageous
[| From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/c/casting-crowns-lyrics/courageous-lyrics.html |]


I really like the line in the song that says the only way to stand is on our knees with lifted hands. It reminds me of a quote/phrase we have framed on our wall- "When life becomes more than you can stand, kneel"