Merry and Bright and Slightly Insane

I think every parent who has ever had a hand in getting decent Christmas card photos of youngsters can commiserate in talking about the immense effort that goes into getting one (juuuust ONE!) decent picture with everyone looking and smiling. Or maybe just looking. Or maybe not even looking or smiling, but just not throwing a complete fit. There, that last one seems to be the closest to right!

Getting our Christmas card photo for Christmas Card 2018 was by far the biggest challenge of the year for me. I think I had to nurse Dempsey twice during the hour-long session, yell, laugh, offer good things, threaten bad things, and maybe even shed a tear or two in getting everyone to somewhat participate. Did I mention I was also actually taking the pictures? I literally took 303 photos. Literally. And I am not one to throw that word around flippantly. We wound up with juuuuust ONE that I thought worked, plus a handful of other keepers that are just “us.” Or “them,” I should say. Anyway, now that it is all said and done, I’m happy with the result. I grew as a parent during that trying hour. I hope my kids learned a thing or two about “listening ears” and “respect” and the allure of chocolate at the end of a trying time. (Full transparency: I, to this day, reward myself with chocolate at the end of trying times on the reg.)

(My boys melting my mama heart over here!)

// Wilson’s pants and suspenders // Wilson’s shirt // Lily Ryan’s dress is sold out pretty much everywhere. This top is the same adorable pattern! // Dempsey’s outfit (technically PJs but I like this look for out and about!) //

Despite the rough photo shoot, it’s been a beautiful Christmas season around here. A verse I’ve really clung to lately is 2 Corinthians 12:9, which says, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

“My power is made perfect in weakness.”

Isn’t that BEAUTIFUL? We all have weaknesses. And those are where God’s power is made PERFECT if we allow it! I just think that is beyond cool.

Dempsey’s hearing loss has been one of the big defining points of this season for us. And not in a bad way, necessarily! It’s just something we daily talk about, pray about, and proactively plan to overcome when the time is right.  It is a physical, earthly weakness for him, but it is a place where God can really, really shine. I’m already so excited for the life he will lead, no matter what happens with his sweet little ears. And I’m excited about the future for all of my kids, and for me and Price as well! Knowing we have weaknesses can be overwhelming in a way, but this verse makes it super clear that that is where God shines brightest through us if we humble ourselves. We are here to help each other navigate despite all of our own individual weaknesses. I’d definitely say our weaknesses have brought our family closer together. Particularly recently! How can your weaknesses bring your family together? Maybe this is the Christmas where you, too, find a new perspective on weakness?! 🙂 So glad to have come across that verse!

Happy Christmas from our imperfect family to yours. I hope you have a drama-free, laughter-filled time with the ones you love the most!

Thank y’all SO MUCH for reading and commenting and following me on the social medias and all that stuff. It all means a TON to me and I don’t thank you enough. Much love and Merry Christmas!