I met Danielle on FACEBOOK and we’ve had this session set up for quite some time!
When I came in her house her little guy ran right to me with a hug – love him!
How sweet are they!!
They are expecting their third miracle this month!!
You guys made me feel so welcome! I can’t wait to see you when your new one arrives which SHOULD be any day now!!
I met Mandy on FACEBOOK! She had seen my work from some of her friends and we set up an appointment. About two weeks before our appointment I had put a status on FACEBOOK stating that I was visiting Joyce Geiger for the afternoon – Mandy asked how I knew this Joyce. I told her she was my grandmother – it turns out that my grandma is Mandy’s great aunt!
SMALL WORLD!
When I showed up to Mandy’s house – her daughter met me at the door – SO EXCITED to get her pictures taken – and to show me her bedroom – and to have me read her a book – and color with her – and … you name it!
She was so sweet and so ready to get her pictures taken!
HOW RIDICULOUSLY ADORABLE IS SHE!!
This little one is so precious!
There is just something about sisters!!
Love those shots!
Mandy – thank you so much for having me capture your family! Which is really related to my family – CRAZY!
Your daughter made my day!!
We spent Thanksgiving with our good friends Dave & Christy – in FLORIDA!
Look at those sweet potatoes! SO GOOD!
Christy did such a GREAT job with dinner!
The boys – hard at work!
Christy made potpourri on the stove – smelled so good!
Thank you so much for a GREAT week with you guys!
The Birth of Jesus – Luke 2:1-20
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Can you imagine being those shepherds? Just sitting there watching your sheep at night – making sure nothing attacks – making sure they are all there – and then – AN ANGEL APPEARS! The angel tells them that a Savior is born – the Messiah – the Lord! More angels come and sing and exalt God! Then the shepherds look at each other and say – let’s go check this out!
I love this account telling of the shepherds – I just cannot put myself in their shoes! They find Mary and Joseph and Jesus – did they ask to hold Him – did they kiss His tender little head – did they give Him back to Mary when he started crying? Did those shepherds tell their own grandchildren that they once held the Savior of the world as a baby – that THEY were the messengers of God to spread the good news?
Today – as Fitzy jumps around in my tummy – I am humbled that God would let me borrow him for a while – that God trusts us with His precious creation. I am wondering what exactly Mary was thinking – was she concerned with the fact that He was indeed the Savior of the world or more so that He would sleep through the night?
Thank You God for giving Your Son – Jesus. Thank you Mary for being a wonderful momma to our Lord. Thank you Joseph for loving your Son and His mother. Thank you shepherds for being in that field that night!
There are two Christmas songs that I LOVE right now!
Check them out!
“oh, mary, joseph, rest your eyes
try not to think of the ending
world full of empty, He will die
but tonight He is still just a child
the silent night drifts all away
and the angels are dancing around you
there’s the joy of knowing He’ll save the world
overshadowing the pain that He’ll go through
have you cursed at the wind
have you cried to the heavens
have you fought with this mercy you don’t understand
when the wise men kneel down
to kiss the hand of this king they found
in bethlehem town
will you hold back the years a while
will you dream that this man could always be a child
and never carry all the weight
of the dirt and the distance and the company we keep
have you cursed at the wind
have you cried to the heavens
have you fought with this mercy you don’t understand
when the wise men kneel down
to kiss the hand of this king they found
in bethlehem town
and did the stars shine much brighter that night
you gave birth to the death that would bring us to life
and did the mystery keep you awake
was the sound of His little heart too much to take
oh, i don’t understand
when the wise men kneel down
to kiss the hand of this king they found
have you cursed at the wind
have you cried to the heavens
have you fought with this mercy you don’t understand
when the wise men kneel down
to kiss the hand of this king they found
in bethlehem town
in bethlehem town
in bethlehem town”
jars of clay
“Did it feel like a night any different
Then at least a million before
Was there any rare expectation
Like there was some kind of somethin’ in store
Did the sky have to hold back the thunder
Did the moon find new reasons to glow
Could the children somehow sense the wonder
2000 Decembers Ago
Were the sheep as amazed as the shepherds
At the new star that lite up the sky
Did the willow trees whisper excitement
To the rivers and streams passing by
Did the joy ricochet off the mountains
‘Til it filled up the valleys below
Did all the world sense love abounding
2000 Decembers Ago
Was anyone able to look at the stable
And not see a child but a King
I wish I could hear back over the years
As heaven & nature sing, heaven and nature sing.
Did the walls of the barn start to tremble
With a glory they could not contain
Did anyone wake with the feeling
Of peace that they could not explain
Oh the love must have been overwhelming
As it warmed everyone in its flow
For all of the earth is still telling
Of 2000 Decembers ago
Was anyone able to look at the stable
And not see a child but a king
I wish I could hear back over the years
As heaven and nature sing, heaven and nature sing
Oh the love must have been overwhelming
2000 Decembers Ago”
joy williams
I just love the perspective of those songs!
May you have a blessed and beautiful Christmas this year! Surround yourselves with the love of Jesus!
We spent Christmas with Jared’s parents this year – mine were in Kentucky visiting my brother and his wife!
We spent the night Christmas Eve and opened a few gifts in the morning – our gift this year was the cruise!
We spent the day reading and watching cheesy Christmas movies – the best kind of holiday!
I cannot believe that 10 years ago were were ushering in 2000. My mom was freaking out and wanting us to stay home for NYE – what with the whole world coming to an end once 2000 hit!
Ten years ago I had come home from Philadelphia University to start a lonely semester at Mansfield University.
Five years ago Jared and I were newlyweds and ushered in 2005 together – again – I have no idea where we were or what we did that night.
Tonight we will go to Amy & Jim’s for a bit and then to help out with the overnighter at the church for a few hours and end the night – ringing in the New Year at Matt & Johna’s. And I am sure that in 10 years – I will have forgotten those details too!
Tomorrow marks a new year – a new start!
I wrote earlier this year about our blessings – there are times that I cannot see any from the past year – but I know better.
THANK YOU – you know who are – for believing in me this past year. For praying for us this past year. For listening to my fears – my doubts – my musings.
barden photography has bloomed into something that I never thought possible. I asked God to bless my photography. I asked for 24 weddings. I had 24 weddings. I didn’t even think to ask God for family sessions – seniors – babies – kiddos – engagements. He blessed me beyond my wildest dreams.
THANK YOU to those out there that trusted me with their memories – it means more than I could ever express to you!
THANK YOU to those in my family that supported me – cheered for me – prayed for me – encouraged me – booked a session with me!
THANK YOU to those friends that pushed me – encouraged me – trusted me – believed in me – booked a session with me!
THANK YOU – THANK YOU – THANK YOU
I cannot imagine 2010 being more bountiful than 2009 for barden photography – but I am trusting that it will be. Knowing that God answered my prayers above and beyond what I asked. Knowing that He will do it again – above and beyond.
I am praying that God answers our prayer for a child – a sweet, healthy, happy child in 2010. I am praying that if that prayer isn’t answered that I will see the blessings in it – that I will understand that God is in control – that the desire for a child will subside if that is not what God has for us – one of the hardest prayers I have ever had to pray.
I am praying that 2010 brings joy – for us and for you!
I’ve taken photos for Heidi, Raelynne, and Marilynne – loving these clients! They wanted me to stop over the day after Christmas to capture their families in action opening presents and seeing Santa!
How cute are they?
Thanks again *H* family for having me over!
This was from my post last Christmas – next Christmas we are looking forward to spending it with Schrute and hopefully another new addition by that time or the anticipation of one!
It breaks my heart. This Christmas I thought – I really really thought we were expecting – finding out yesterday we weren’t. Ugh.
I thought I would post a picture of Schrute from last Christmas – a month before we got him!
LOOK AT THAT FACE – THAT TEENY LITTLE FACE!
This was taken yesterday –
Look at that NOT so teeny face!
Oh Schrute – how we love you and how you have blessed us this year – coming into our lives at the EXACT moment we needed you!
I hope everyone had a warm, love-filled Christmas!
We went on vacation with Jared’s parents at the beginning of the month – to the BAHAMAS!
Usually we go to the beach with them in July but this year with my wedding schedule – it didn’t work out.
We left on Sunday the 6th out of Rochester – and boy do I hate flying – but it wasn’t too bad this time.
It was cold and snowy … couldn’t wait until we were in the WARM WATERS of the BAHAMAS!
Our cabin!
Where we hung out at Coco Cay – the BEST part of the trip!
Our little towel buddy!
The sunset on the last night of our vacation!
We had a great time – Jared and I were both pretty motion sick and I missed dinner 2 nights out of 4 – but we had a fun time with the best in-laws I could ever ask for!
