Round n' Round the Christmas Tree

I love this time of year for how happy people are, how pretty everything looks and how we set aside time to celebrate Christ. 


After two Christmas' being married and this our third, Seth and I have finally figured some things out, but it's been interesting to decide on some traditions. 


We picked our favorite cookies from each of our mom's Christmas baking lists and made them. The first year was a little overwhelming; we had well over 100 cookies for just the two of us. Plus, we were new in town and didn't know who could help us eat them! This year there are still lots to share, but we have some folks to share them with. 


Our first year, we didn't know where to get a Christmas tree, so we went to Home Depot and picked a pre-cut tree. It was cute, but didn't have the fun experience of tromping through the field to find it! The past two Christmas' we've gone to a neat tree farm with my parents and sawed down our pick from the rows and rows of trees. 

Most newlyweds don't have many ornaments - we ended up with too many! I was afraid of not having enough so we bought some. Then our moms passed some down to us and my grandma ended up giving us her entire collection. 

Seth trims and puts the tree in its stand. I put on the lights and beads because I am too particular, but we both jump in on the ornament hanging. I love crowding the tree with ornaments and reminiscing as we take them out of their boxes. My husband graciously allows me to put icicles on the tree, which bother him tremendously. He hates finding them trailed around the house as they stick to everything.


AND


In all of the hustle and bustle of getting this all together, there is a tremendous peace that comes with everything. There is a peace I can't always understand, but am so glad to be a part of. You see, even if we don't have Christmas cookies, a tree from the field or ornaments to hang - My God came to earth to live and die for me. 


Relient K has a good song, "Celebrate the Day" that really captures how great this miracle is. We should stop in the midst of Christmas and think. Think of this:

And with this Christmas wish is missed
The point I could convey
If only I could find the words to say
To let You know how much You've touched my life
Because here is where You're finding me
In the exact same place as New Year's eve
And from a lack of my persistency
We're less than half as close as I want to be

And the first time that You opened Your eyes
Did You realize that You would be my Savior
And the first breath that left Your lips
Did You know that it would change this world forever
And the first time that You opened Your eyes
Did You realize that You would be my Savior
And the first breath that left Your lips
Did You know that it would change this world forever

And so this Christmas I'll compare
The things I felt in prior years
To what this midnight made so clear
That You have come to meet me here

To look back and think that
This baby would one day save me
In the hope that what You did
That you were born so I might live
To look back and think that
This baby would one day save me

And the first time that You opened Your eyes
Did You realize that You would be my Savior
And the first breath that left Your lips
Did You know that it would change this world forever
And the first time that You opened Your eyes
Did You realize that You would be my Savior
And the first breath that left Your lips
Did You know that it would change this world forever

And I, I celebrate the day
That You were born to die
So I could one day pray for You to save my life
Pray for You to save my life
Pray for You to save my life

Renee - H. S. Senior

I met up with Renee for her senior pictures at the PA Grand Canyon in October. She has a really fun personality and made the session even more fun than usual!

I told you she was fun! Have a great senior year Renee - thanks!

Baby DKJ - 16 Days Old

I would've kept this little boy had the parents offered, but they're too smart. They know they have something very precious.


He was wide awake when we started, but he eventually fell asleep and was much easier to pose. What a sweetie!

Blogging from the Kitchen

It's no secret that I love to cook! I hadn't had much time to cook and blog about it lately. So, here's a peek at what's been appeasing mine and Seth's appetites lately.


Ravioli with a Balsamic Vinegar Sauce and sun-dried tomatoes. Sandra Lee

Chicken in cream sauce - one of the many delicious, but time consuming recipes of Julia Childs. 

Pumpkin Cheesecake with a ginger snap crust and maple syrup (although I later discovered caramel was great on top). Taste of Home

Another one of Julia's - a braised beef and onion dish that cooked for over 2 hours in its juices in the oven. 

I served this with an italian cabbage and my favorite parmesan potatoes.

Tonight's dinner was pork inside a baguette. It was yummy, though a little awkward to eat. Kudos to Better Homes and Gardens anyway. 

It's no wonder my husband and I have gotten a little chubby. However, it is great to enjoy this food together. I just hate doing the dishes! Awe well, the good comes with the bad.


On that note, I am going to bed because I am getting up early to go to the gym....really! 

Nicole- H.S. Senior

Nicole was an easy subject to photograph. I was so jealous of her gorgeous curly hair and would you believe she doesn't like it! I guess we girls are always critical of ourselves!


I hope you have a great senior year Nicole!

LaTeshia - H.S. Senior

LaTeshia and I met a little over a week before her pictures were due for her high school yearbook. We managed to squeeze in a session and had fun doing it!

Ashely - H.S. Senior

The camera loved Ashley and I felt like I could do nothing wrong while taking her picture. She has an awesome profile and straight-on look. I've also never had a girl who could put on "serious" so well. 


We had a great session! Thanks and I hope you have a great year!

David and Dana - 10.16.2010

David and I both graduated from Clarion U., although he is a year younger. I actually approached him about exchanging wedding pictures for a website design. The website is sort of up in the air right now, but I got to take pictures of their beautiful wedding nonetheless. 


Dana also happens to be one of my sister-in-law's best friends (small world).  So, there were a few handfuls of guests my husband and I knew, which always makes for a fun time.


The day went off without any problems aside from running out of time to take pictures of this beautiful couple.Thanks for having us, it was a great day!