Beautiful Brown Skin

Dear Jeremy,

I'm in the process of working on our family photo book for the year 2011, and I just finished a page with the above images. I would entitle it "The Many Faces of Jeremy" because it totally shows what a character you are and how expressive you can be.

Sometimes when I'm putting baby lotion on your skin, I'll say, "Jeremy, what's beautiful?" and you'll enthusiastically reply, "Beautiful skin!" It's become a bit of a ritual, and a little fun thing that we do. You and your brother both have such gorgeous skin, and I hope you'll always embrace it as one of the many wonderful characteristics that God gave you when He made you.

Sadly, you may encounter people in the world who will try to tell you otherwise. One of the things that breaks my heart is the thought that you might (and probably will) encounter people with racial prejudices. They might say hurtful things or act in ways make you feel inferior, less than. I wish I could protect you from all harm, and I hope the world you are growing up in will be a kinder one than generations past.

My only advice to you is to disregard that negativity as much as you possibly can, and remember that you are exactly who God created you to be. You are "fearfully and wonderfully made"! (Psalm 139). I want you to know, also, that our little ritual isn't just my way of trying to build your self-esteem (although I hope it does!). It is the truth. You and Zachary both were born with the most beautiful skin--just look at the photos above...it is just radiant!!!

And what is most beautiful to me (even more than your gorgeous skin!) is your radiant spirit. May it always shine brightly! Thank you for lighting up my world!

Love,
Mama

My One Year Old!

A Texan Right of Passage

Dear Jeremy, Zachary, Sam and Gus,

It is April in Texas, which means one thing: BLUEBONNETS! Yes, our beautiful state flower is blooming in all of its wonderful glory along country roads and highways, which means Texan mothers everywhere are plopping their adorable children down right in the middle of these blue blooming beauties to snap away on their cameras. It's a Texan right of passage, and you boys have been initiated!

It was an absolute JOY to see Jeremy and Sam gleefully playing/wrestling/squealing with happiness as you tromped through the wild flowers! I love seeing your bond as cousins grow.

Gus and Zach are becoming pals, too! What fun for you cousins so close in age to get to grow up together!

And let's not forget about brotherly love! Oh, my goodness...scrumptious!

Sometimes, I'm stunned and amazed that God has entrusted me, with all of my imperfections, to be your mother and your Tia. It is a great responsibility, and also my great joy.

I love all four of you...Always and Forever!

Love,

Mama/Tia

Baskets in the Backyard

A couple days ago, Brian took Jeremy with him to run some errands, so I took advantage of having Zachary all to myself to do a quick outdoor photo shoot. I'd been wanting to photograph him in a basket, and Easter-time just seems appropriate for that!

After a while, Jeremy and Dad came home, and Jeremy hopped in the basket for a photo op! He's just so photogenic!

This one, of both of them, was my absolute FAVORITE! I just love seeing them interact as brothers!

Happy Spring, everyone!

Warmer Temperatures = Backyard Time!

Jeremy - 28 Months Old!

As it is in much of the country, it's far too cold to even think about going outside, so to fight the stir-crazies, I decided to do a photo shoot of Jeremy while the baby was napping this morning. I tried to shoot Jeremy in the same style that I shot Zachary in this shoot.

These are probably far more photos than any of you care to see, but what can I say? I'm a proud Mama! So here ya go:

Family Photos

Brian's Mom is in town this week, so we decided to take some family photos while she's here. We met up with my mom, as well as my sister and her family at a photo studio and took lots of fun pics! 

Three generations: my mom, me, and the boys!

The triumphant trio: my mom, sister and me.

Zachary (9 months old) and Jeremy (27 months old)

Jeremy

Our family with both grandmothers (Nana and Gramma).

Zachary aka Mr. Adorable!

My honey and me.

Our little family of four!

Mama, Daddy and the boyz!

Gramma (Brian's Mom) and the boys

Nana with all four of her grandsons.

Both grandmothers with grandchildren.

The whole family!

Nine Month Old Photos!

My baby is growing up so fast! He as four teeth now, and he's becoming more active every day! I love seeing his personality blooming, and these photos show some of his cute expressions.

Photos by Starshine Photography.