The Family is of God

Our Father has a family.
It's me.
It's you.
All others, too, we are His children.

He sent each one of us to earth, through birth
To live and learn here in families.

God gave us families.
To help us become what He wants us to be.
This is how he shares His love.
For the family is of God.

I can't stop looking at this picture.  Ashley did a beautiful job.  I feel the Spirit so strongly whenever I look at this, and I know that my family is of God.  Things aren't easy right now, but we know He is aware of us and has a plan for us.

Sisters, Books, Love

During Claire's little photo shoot, she was being shy, so we had Roo come over and help her relax.  I love these girlies!  Such sweet sisters!  If I would have known, I would have fixed Roo's hair and put them in coordinating outfits, but then again, I love how this picture shows Roo comforting little Claire.

So I have a few more book recommendations for you:

1. Dancing on Broken Glass
This was an emotional book!!  It deals with some very real, serious issues (mental illness, abortion, cancer).  I thought it was very well-written, and the story was so good.  I cried at the ending, and books rarely make me cry!  I'd love to hear any of your thoughts if and when you read this!

2. The Forgotten Garden
I'm not finished with this one yet, but I am enjoying it so much!  It's not my usual type of genre that I enjoy, but maybe it should be!  I don't usually like books that hop around with time & setting (Dancing on Broken Glass did this too), but neither book bothered me this time with that.

So...it's Valentine's Day!  Nate and I never really do much because we prefer to focus on our Anniversary instead.  But the kidders are excited to take Valentines to their friends and classmates.  Hope you all have a great Lovers Day!

Claire at 18 months

My talented friend, Noelle, took a few pictures of Claire for us.  I wanted to take some with "Meow", her kitty, because she NEVER lets it go, and I wanted to remember this sweet age.

This is CLASSIC Claire right here....being shy with her lips puckered up.

She would throw Meow on the floor and then do this, like, "Where did she go?"

We love you so much, Claire Elizabeth!!

Family Picture

We had some family pictures taken over the Break when all of Nate's family was in town.  I always look like I just rolled out of bed, no matter what.  Oh well.  I love my family!  They are my world.

A few side notes:

1. I haven't been running.  At all.  Darn weather.  There was a really bad inversion, and now it's supposed to snow for 3 days.  I'm frustrated.  I hope I'm not losing too much ground.

2. Everyone is back in school.  I have to admit, I love my Claire-only mornings!  I've been able to get a lot done.

3. I love the Book of Mormon.  Have I mentioned that?

4. DeAnn is coming to Utah next week!!!!  I can't wait!!  (See last year's visit HERE).

2012 School Pictures

Cameron G. Wood - 1st Grade - Mr. Grandy

Allie J. Wood - Headstart AM class - Taylor & Sarah

Our Forever Family

We are a forever family because He lives.  He is risen.  As a family, we serve Christ.  We love Christ.  We know that it is because of Christ that we are happy on this Earth and will be together forever in Heaven.  Happy Easter from the Wood family.

Thank you, Noelle, for the beautiful pictures!  The Utah mountains never cease to amaze me.  I love these pictures...complete with Roo's silly faces and signature cowboy boots, Cam's faded tattoo and signature cheesy grins, and Claire's oblivion and huge cheeks.  Perfection in my eyes!!

Photo Shoot with Noelle

These turned out so adorable!  Thank you so much, Noelle!

I love how simple they are.  Beautiful!

This one is going on my wall...

This is the wall shot for Claire!



Haha, silly Roo! 

This is a wall shot too!

My Beauties

A little sneak peek of the photo shoot that my friend Noelle did.  She asked me if she could take pictures of my kids to practice her indoor lighting photography.  Sure!!  Allie had JUST woken up, so we had to work hard to get smiles from her, but Cam was a little ham, as usual.  I love these beautiful babies of mine so so much!  They are my world.

School Picture

Cameron got his very first official school pictures taken. 

(The background is actually bright blue, not purple!  This is best I could do with my scanner.)

I wasn't going to buy any because we just had their photos taken with Marci, and these school pictures are so over-priced.  But when I saw them, I knew I had to cave and do it simply so that we can line up his Pre-K thru Grade 12 school pictures someday.  Plus, it's SO stinkin' adorable!

Photo Shoot with Marci Preece

A huge thank you to Marci Preece for capturing my babies in such beautiful photos.  I have no other words...only a few tears.

Enjoy.

The end.

Allison's dress from here.
Cameron's C shirt from here.