Reid's 6yr photoshoot

I did my annual pictures of Reid last week. To view them, please visit Photography by April Williams.

He's a cutie for sure!!! Love you all...

Happy 6th Bday Reid!!!

Today my "little" Reid turned 6! I gotta tell you, I'm not sure how this happened. I kept telling him all day today that he was staying 5 and he was not allowed to turn 6. And he kept telling me that he couldn't help it. He couldn't stop growing...but he assured me that he would always be my boy and he would always give me hugs (well, that is, if no one is around to see it!).

Reid's day started off with Daddy taking him to breakfast, then off to school. Then Mommy, Cole, and Ella took him lunch and ate with him at school. We took his classmates jolly rancher candy canes. Reid opted for this over cupcakes (which he doesn't really like) or cookies (which he loves). It's funny. You may think that's weird, but I can't say anything. Ask my mom how many years I would ask for Pumpkin pie as my bday cake! I know it's crazy. I also asked for fruit pizza a couple of times myself. I'm not a big cake person. So, Reid gets 98% of everything from Bry, but I suppose that one quirky thing from me!

After school, Reid's best buddy Justin came home with us. They played for awhile before hitting the fav pizza joint! They had a blast eating and eating and eating and then playing games. And let me just say that those boys are LOUD! While we were still at home, I had to call my girl, Allie, to let her see what she was missing. Reid was BEATING/BANGING on the drums (yes, I know...who in their right mind buys their own kids a real drum set?) and J was on the PIANO. They were the Reid and Justin Rock Band they told me. Holy Cow is all I can say. Allie was sooooo sad that she was missing that fun! ;-) NOT!

Here are a few pics of Reid's day.

So...do you think they were having fun or what? Above is their silly face. Below is their "I'm so cool" face.

Now we have their sweet face.

The match off. Man...2 boys that are really competitive.

I have to add that Reid has been a complete joy in our lives. When Reid first turned 5, we had quite a few challenges with him. We had a huge learning process with him as well. He honestly taught us patience in his own way and he taught me to lean soley on Christ to be a parent. I can't do this thing called motherhood on my own strength or wisdom...because on my own I don't have enough of either. I had to learn to move past myself and my desires and stop all in life to focus on him and his needs.

By mid year, I have to say we hit a turning point with him. He has truly become such a tender hearted, sweet spirited child. I can't even put the words down that would do it justice. He has become Mommy's Boy through and through. He has a little servant's heart just like his Daddy. He has a tender heart that is becoming more evident each and every day. He loves his family more than anything. I have longed and prayed for a closeness in our family, and I am seeing that answered in Reid. He is so genuine and deeply cares about all of us.

One of the things that Reid's teacher said about Reid this year (and his teacher from last year) was that she could tell that he really loved his family and she also said that it was clear that he felt loved by his family. This is a huge compliment to a mother! I know that God has a great plan for this sweet little man. Before I know it, he will be graduating from HS and then from college. I can't wait to see what God has in store for him. I pray that Reid is always tender to God's calling...but even if and when he has to learn a few lessons the hard way, I know that He will prevail in his life in the end and that is the greatest comfort for me as his mother. Reid and I definitely share a special bond these days...one that I pray I will have the wisdom to nurture and turn into something unbreakable.

On this day, I can't be any more thankful for my first born child. He is very special and very well loved. He is a diamond in the rough. He is God's unfinished handiwork. He is fearfully and wonderfully made. He is God's first and foremost and I (along with Bry) are honored and blessed to have the privilege of the responsibility of rearing him in Christ!

Reid, we love you love you love! Happy Birthday! And for goodness sake....quit growing up!

Baby Shower

On Saturday morning, I woke up and got dressed for my very busy day. I started off with a photoshoot, which you can check out on my Photog Blog. Then I headed North for a Baby Shower that I helped host. My only job though was to take pictures! No pressure here, since there were a couple of photographers in the room. Anyway, it was for my sweet friend, Andrea and her precious new arrival Hannah Hope. You can view the details and all of the pics on Andrea's blog.

But I had to post these 3 pics as they are so special to me. I took the first two and then Andrea took the one of me and her together. This pic of me holding her just makes my heart melt. She is absolutely beautiful and I know that God is going to work through this precious girl tremendously. I'm so thankful that I will get to be apart of her life to watch it all unfold.






And of course....the hostesses with the mostess!!!!

After the shower....I headed home to change and then to Reid's Bday party...his pics coming soon!!!

Friday night Holiday Lights

Friday night we took our kiddos with some friends to the local firestation for their holiday lighting fun. They got to climb in a big firetruck...which as you can imagine the boys thought was way cool. They also went to Walmart and had Rudolph noses painted on them. They went into another little store and got balloons...all of which were blown away! The twin girls let their go to fly up to Jesus. Ella followed suite....however, the boys weren't quite as excited that Jesus got their balloons later in the night.

Please note that I took these with my point and shoot camera...I know...I'm the "photographer" and yet I used a consumer camera! Oh well....all that matters is that I caught some special moments!

Here are Syndi and "her girls" Seriously...she makes your heart melt!

Oh me...what handsome boys....the girls are going to come flocking them one day...oh wait, they already do that! Man...am I arrogant tonight or what about my kids? I love them!

I know....you want to eat her in this picture, huh? I'm pretty sure that little girls just don't get cuter than this! I love her sooooo much!

Santa Came for a visit

We were invited to some friends' house to have cookies, milk, story time, and pictures with Santa! Yep...you read that right. Santa actually showed up at their house. No lie...the real Santa too. Not the elf Santa at Stonebriar or the goofy looking one at the other mall...this was the real Santa. He even brought Mrs. Claus with him. I know...if you are reading this right now, you are super jealous that you didn't get to come, but he just couldn't see everyone last night.

Heehee....Seriously...my kiddos got to enjoy seeing Santa up close and personal. The boys were really excited to thank him for his early Christmas present, Jingle! Remember, the puppy? And you won't believe it...but even ELLA couldn't wait to get on his lap. Now, let me just say that she screamed her head off at the very site of the elf Santa at Stonebriar! She cried and clung to me with her little death grip. But that's because she knew he wasn't the real Santa....I mean Duh! Though I'm not sure why she was afraid of him...she was just as big as him...really? Ok...enough...I'm being mean now!

She sat in the group of kiddos and patiently waited her turn and when he called her name, she jumped right up and sat in his lap. Now, she didn't tell him what she wanted for Christmas...but something tells me he knew.

The boys, at their turn, both thanked him for Jingle. And then Santa asked them if they wanted anything else for Christmas. Reid simply named a movie that he wants and Cole wanted a Batman guy. And the proudest, humbling moment came for mom with what Santa said next: "Is that all?" He was totally perplexed by it. Their request seemed so simple. My heart leaped. See...they got what they really wanted which was Jingle....they don't really have a long list...just a couple of small things. Keeping it simple!

The best part was that Mrs. Claus read a book about how Santa was here to deliver presents to represent the 3 Wisemen and that he was given the gift of giving by our Lord and Savior. He told them that though it's fun to get presents for Christmas...that was indeed NOT what Christmas was all about. It was about our baby Jesus being born into this world to save us. Seriously....I really love Santa now!

It was a fun evening for our kids...and then they couldn't wait to get back home to Jingle and play with her before bed. We have been blessed beyond measure.

A BIG Thank you to my girlfriend.....

I just have to give a BIG THANK YOU to my sweet girlfriend April. I threw my back out last week of all times. Now I really know how Bry feels when he throws his back out. I have NEVER had back problems...oh man...am I really getting old??

I had several photoshoots that I needed to get edited and posted as well as a couple of photoshoots to do over the weekend...and did I mention that we did our Christmas party this past weekend? Yeah...so anyway....My gal pal Ape came over on Friday and totally helped clean my house. She and my hubby cleaned. I couldn't do a darn thing. But I just wanted to say thank you thank you thank you. She helped my stress level with getting everything done that needed to be done for the party.

By Saturday, my back was feeling so much better...till I was an idiot and played Wii that night. I'm too dang competitive so I had to give it my all. And now, my back is hurting again. Luckily this time not to a point that I can't move! Oh me...

But back to her....I really appreciate her help. She has proven to be a true friend beyond words. Love you girl...Peace out! ;-)

Christmas party and good times with good friends

Bry and I didn't have a Christmas party last year, but we were back in action this year! We decided to have a small dinner with our dearest friends. We had a GREAT time! The food was AMAZING!!! And I can say that because I didn't cook it. I had a friend of a friend do it...and she does it for fun. She was worth far more than she asked for.

We love doing this as it gets so many that we love all in the same room. Thank you for coming!

And for those that left early....you totally missed the Wii party! This was my first time to ever play. I seriously need one of these now. Maybe after Christmas....

Anyway, I'm embarrassed to admit that I totally pulled the commercial Wii throwing the remote across the room. It might have hit the tv had my dear friend Allie not been in the way...instead, the remote totally hit her arm and flew over and hit the wall. Oh me....I have always said that I was clumpsy. Hope her arm healed!!! ;-)

Here are some fun pics from the evening. I didn't post the ones from the end of the night....but I do have black mail pics on some of my friends...you totally know who you are!

Merry Christmas.

An early Christmas Surprise

Hello everyone! I know that I have been MIA on the whole blogging thing. I have been crazy busy with photography and Reid's school, etc....I have several things that I wanted to blog, but just didn't have the time. I may try to catch up on some of them later.

BUT....the Williams' Day today is worth stopping all and blogging. For those of you that know me well...you will be SHOCKED!

Santa visited our house a bit early this year and brought quite a bit of Christmas cheer for my sweet boys. It did take some convincing for the boys to really believe that Santa came early for them...but I think they bought it! ;-)

Anyway, as you can see below, they got their long awaited new best friend.
Yes, you are seeing this right....they have a new puppy! They have a little Boston Terrier. She is 9 weeks old. The boys were a little unsure what to think when they first opened their early gift. Cole kept asking me if we were going to have to give her back. Reid just kept saying thank you thank you thank you. They were overwhelmed, but so excited. I still am not sure if it has totally sunk in or not....but they have had a blast so far nonetheless.

I have to admit...she is pretty cute. I mean, how can you not love that little face?

Now, Ella on the other hand wasn't as excited about Santa's gift. For the first couple of hours, she had to be held by either me or Daddy. Can you tell that she looks a little bit worried. Course, I'm thinking this is a cruel joke for her.

They really couldn't be any happier, could they??

But don't worry guys....

Ella started warming up to the idea of a dog. As a matter of fact, we went to show Reid's best friend his sweet puppy and Ella storms in the house and proclaims: "Look! That's MY dog!"

She even gives her hugs now. So....I think she will be ok. My guess is that she and the pup will bond the most!

So....now we go for the house breaking thing. I have no idea what I just got myself into. I'm not a big fan of dogs in the house at ALL....BUT the joy that it brought to my kids today will be worth it all. The boys thanked God tonight in their prayers that Santa brought them such a beautiful dog for them to have and keep! Reid has already started taking care of her...hopefully this will last. All in all....this is the best gift for the boys...I just know it.

As far as her name??? Reid wants to name her Jingle. Mom and Dad want to name her Piper...but I think we may be stuck with Jingle!

The Treatment of Bush Has Been a Disgrace

I thought I would share this article as everyone needs to see what is going on in our world. We need to be aware that the "change" we are about to see is going to force those that are truly committed to Christ to take a stand and persevere like no other time.

This article was in The Wall Street Journal.

What must our enemies be thinking?

By JEFFREY SCOTT SHAPIRO

• 
  

Earlier this year, 12,000 people in San Francisco signed a petition in support of a proposition on a local ballot to rename an Oceanside sewage plant after George W. Bush. The proposition is only one example of the classless disrespect many Americans have shown the president.

AP

According to recent Gallup polls, the president's average approval rating is below 30% -- down from his 90% approval in the wake of 9/11. Mr. Bush has endured relentless attacks from the left while facing abandonment from the right.

This is the price Mr. Bush is paying for trying to work with both Democrats and Republicans. During his 2004 victory speech, the president reached out to voters who supported his opponent, John Kerry, and said, "Today, I want to speak to every person who voted for my opponent. To make this nation stronger and better, I will need your support, and I will work to earn it. I will do all I can do to deserve your trust."

Those bipartisan efforts have been met with crushing resistance from both political parties.

The president's original Supreme Court choice of Harriet Miers alarmed Republicans, while his final nomination of Samuel Alito angered Democrats. His solutions to reform the immigration system alienated traditional conservatives, while his refusal to retreat in Iraq has enraged liberals who have unrealistic expectations about the challenges we face there.

It seems that no matter what Mr. Bush does, he is blamed for everything. He remains despised by the left while continuously disappointing the right.

Yet it should seem obvious that many of our country's current problems either existed long before Mr. Bush ever came to office, or are beyond his control. Perhaps if Americans stopped being so divisive, and congressional leaders came together to work with the president on some of these problems, he would actually have had a fighting chance of solving them.

Like the president said in his 2004 victory speech, "We have one country, one Constitution and one future that binds us. And when we come together and work together, there is no limit to the greatness of America."

To be sure, Mr. Bush is not completely alone. His low approval ratings put him in the good company of former Democratic President Harry S. Truman, whose own approval rating sank to 22% shortly before he left office. Despite Mr. Truman's low numbers, a 2005 Wall Street Journal poll found that he was ranked the seventh most popular president in history.

Just as Americans have gained perspective on how challenging Truman's presidency was in the wake of World War II, our country will recognize the hardship President Bush faced these past eight years -- and how extraordinary it was that he accomplished what he did in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

The treatment President Bush has received from this country is nothing less than a disgrace. The attacks launched against him have been cruel and slanderous, proving to the world what little character and resolve we have. The president is not to blame for all these problems. He never lost faith in America or her people, and has tried his hardest to continue leading our nation during a very difficult time.

Our failure to stand by the one person who continued to stand by us has not gone unnoticed by our enemies. It has shown to the world how disloyal we can be when our president needed loyalty -- a shameful display of arrogance and weakness that will haunt this nation long after Mr. Bush has left the White House.

Mr. Shapiro is an investigative reporter and lawyer who previously interned with John F. Kerry's legal team during the presidential election in 2004.

Election Day!!!

If you are like my sweet hubby and have a lot of frustration or passion to vent or express about politics, here's a great blog that a girlfriend of mine started for you to go and express all of your opinions!

Check it out....there will be people posting all day tomorrow during the voting/election day.

Let's be on our hands and knees tomorrow praying.

52Percent

This sure puts life in perspective

You have to take the 5 minutes to watch this video! This really puts life in perspective. We have a lot to be thankful for. I have always believed that life can always be worse....it's all in how you view life and whether or not you choose to learn to live with your life and learn the lessons that God has for you or if you choose to drown in your life. The choice is up to you. This guy Nick is amazing and someone that we can all look to for encouragement.

Halloween

Thought I would post a pic of our kiddos from Halloween. I am not personally a big fan of Halloween, but the kids love dressing up! We went to Reid's BFF friends house for a party and then went trick or treating! The kids had a great time! Now, we have enough candy to last us for about another year. YIPPEE!

I wish you could see in these pics that Ella's wings sparkled. Literally, they lit up and lights flashed on and off all night. It was a great way to keep up with her at Trick or Treat time! This was her first experience with trick or treating. She was determined to walk the whole time by herself even though she was in a complete daze about half way through. She ran her little legs off to keep up with her brothers and her friends.

My Little Soccer Stud!

Reid had his last soccer game for the Fall Season this past Saturday. He has really turned into the soccer stud this season! He has scored just about every game and most games he scores 2x! It's been so fun to watch as his confidence has really been boosted. Most importantly, he's been having fun while learning the game and learning to play on a team! He's already excited to play in the Spring!

Here are some pics of him at his last game.

Such great form as he turns the ball around!

He's going down for the score!

And he SCORES! For the record, he scored the only 2 points for our team this game. Yes, sadly, we lost our very last game!

Not all of Hollywood is for Obama

This is a pretty long video (about 20 min), but is worth the listen. If you don't know how to vote on Tuesday...this should help you. We as Christians (or so called Christians) have let politics be one of those things that we just gripe about, but not get involved in. We MUST get involved. We MUST vote on morals if for nothing else. I am just unsure how we can call ourselves a Child of God's and vote for every moral thing that goes AGAINST God's Word. At this point in the game, we are only arguing with God's Word and not each other.

If you haven't voted...GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!

Click HERE!

Seriously.....

You have to check out this link to Howard Stern's radio show. I'm NOT a Stern supporter...but LOVE this! He is proving that our country doesn't have a CLUE who they are voting for next week. We need to do some serious prayer!!!

Howard Stern on Politics

Pumpkin Patch

I have spent the past 2 days at the Pumpkin Patch with my kiddos! Yesterday after we dropped Reid off at school, I took Cole and Ella to meet some of Cole's school friends at the pumpkin patch. I loved doing this since Cole's friends are usually Reid's age. Cole was excited to meet up with his 2 buddies from school. The fun thing is that both of these little boys have big brothers that are in Kindergarten as well. Anyway, I wanted to post some pictures of Ella and Cole. I have only posted one here. You can go to my Photography blog to view the rest.

I went back to the patch today with Reid's class for his field trip! I will have more pics later of his trip. The bad thing about being a photographer is that you can't just take a point and shoot camera to these events and just post the pics...nope....since everyone knows you are a photographer, they expect the big ole camera! Seriously, my fav pics are the pumpkin patch pics...so I can't help myself!

More to come....I hope!

Trip to the Zoo

Last week, Reid had a day off from school, so Daddy took off and we went to the zoo! Reid's most favorite field trip of the year is the zoo!!! He LOVES the animals. All 3 of the kids really had a great time. This was the first year that Ella enjoyed the zoo as well. They would run from animal to animal with such great excitement. It was really cute to see. And they were thrilled that Daddy was there with us (and so was I). It's much more fun for mom too with some help!

They were all exhausted by the time we left. They all fell asleep by the time we got to the freeway and slept the whole way home. It was a wonderful family day!

Reid may follow in his mom's footsteps in that he wanted to take pictures of the animals! He loves to take pictures...but then again, he may have just wanted to take pictures of them so that he can look at them any time he wants!

Never mind the girl in the background picking her nose!! LOL!!