Such a sweet family session at the Oceana Pier! Being the day before Thanksgiving it was a bit chilly! (to say the least!) but they were CHAMPS! It was such an honor to get to take these portraits. It was also an honor to have Anne make the request for me to do the session in the first place. We met when she asked me to do photos as a gift for a very small intimate wedding on the beach. (See it here) To have her then want her OWN photos with her family… I was honored and flattered to say the least!
From the start of this session it was obvious to me that this family is knit together with love and experience. There was no end to the laughing and smiles and jokes that were taking place both on camera and off camera. I’m sure as has been the trend in recent posts, just like each and every family and couple, this family has been through their fair share of ups and downs but the way they stick together and help each other and talk about each other is outstanding. In a world where love and respect is becoming a rarity in younger generations, (who am I kidding- in most generations) it was obvious that these boys not only love their parents, but respect them and appreciate them as well.
It also doesn’t take long to see where that love and respect comes from. When you look at the way Mom and Dad treat each other and look at each other and even laugh and giggle together at the sometimes silly prompts I give during a session, it is obvious to me to see that they have had outstanding examples of what true love and respect is for their boys.
Though life may keep us busy and we may feel somedays that we kiss and high-five and thats it between here and there and running all over the place, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is important to remember how WE feel when someone shows us love and appreciation and in return shower that same love and appreciation on everyone around us. Not just those closest to us, though we should ESPECIALLY shower love on them every day! But I think it’s important that EVERYONE we meet feel loved and appreciated.
Afterall, even though we may not know them, and may not know their story, or even agree or get along with them, don’t we want to feel loved and appreciated? even by those who may not agree with us all the time?
Let’s all try today, this season, the next year, and for the rest of our LIVES to remember why God prompts us in the Bible to treat others as we WANT to be treated instead of how they treat us. Despite what they deserve (in our opinion) because when it comes down to it, none of us really deserve all that we have, and we CERTAINLY don’t deserve all that God has done for us.
Anne (and Family)- Thank you SO SO MUCH for braving the chilly weather and enduring your session with me! You guys are absolutely fantastic and I truly hope this is not the last time we get to see each other!
Anne & Brett- You have done a FABULOUS job raising your boys. It shows in the little things they do and how you all interact with each other. Your whole family has such a sweet disposition. It truly was a pleasure and honor getting to work with you all! I pray that as time goes on and the journey and future before you unfolds that you all continue to grow closer as a family and stronger together and as individuals. I pray that you each continue to become the person God has intended you to be! I can’t wait to stay in touch and continue to see what comes of the future for your beautiful family!!
Charity:
What a great time we had with you. THANK YOU for making it so easy to get such incredible shots. And yes, may we honor God’s purpose for our lives and treat each other well. Great pictures!
You guys made it easy!! Your honor shows! Keep doing what you are doing!! cant wait to get the rest of the images to you!