The Bravest Family I know

 "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

                              Martin Luther King Jr., Strength to Love, 1963

We will all face challenges over our lifetime. Whether we choose to face those challenges head on with a positive outlook, or allow them to negatively influence our perspectives, defines our character. This is why I think of Charlie and his parents' to be the bravest family I know. Charlie has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. DMD is not what defines his life. When I think of Charlie, I think of strength in integrity, love of laughter, and beauty in character. Charlie is only fifteen years old, yet I admire him so much.

Below are a few pictures from our family vacation this summer. Oh what a special time we had, and this in particular was an evening I will never forget.

 

 

Oh Happy Spring

I was so excited for Spring that I just had to take the kids out for a little photo shoot. I was actually working on a secret Mother's Day gift, so I have been holding off posting these pictures, for quite a while. Here's just a few from our time!

Eleven Years Ago

Eleven years ago today, Randy and I went on our first date. It was a lunch date at Ruby's Diner in Yorba Linda. I can remember it like yesterday; he had chicken fingers and I had a grilled chicken salad. When we went to say "goodbye," I asked him for a hug. It's not those details that I remember so vividly, but rather the fact that I knew that I loved him and hoped to be his wife.

I was 19 years old then, and less than a year and a half later, I became his bride.

I never thought of myself as the type to be married so young. In fact, before I met him, I had no intentions of getting married, until I finished college and was well into my career. God transformed my heart completely. Randy was like no man I had ever met. He was the kindest, most humble, God loving man, and I could not help but fall so deeply in love with him. Not to mention he was so CUTE too!

This summer we will be celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary. Sometimes, it seems like just yesterday we became husband and wife. Other times, I can not remember my life without him. Over the last eleven years we have shared together much love, laughter, sorrow, joy, heartache, and God's amazing grace. I am so thankful that God has given me such a beautiful man to experience life with, and I look forward to what God has planned for us.

                   photos by Melissa of Gartner Photography. www.gartnerphotography.com

The Unger Family Welcome Baby Elijah

Falon and Justin Unger welcomed Elijah into their beautiful family on December 01, 2010. We had been praying for our dear friends, and the safe arrival of this little guy!

Elijah was eight days old, when we shot this, and he was the perfect sleepy baby, despite the chilly conditions! 

           Congratulations Falon and Justin! May God bless his life, and your family! We love you!

The Costes Family

There are some families, where their love for one another is so evident! The Costes family was one of those families. Their sweet love and care for each other, was so fun to witness, and was so easy to capture for me! The Costes family is also GORGEOUS! Take a peek at Leslie, Mark and there three boys Bryce, Brendan and Brady! 

                                  Leslie and Mark have such a sweet affectionate relationship!