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family pics 2013

So here’s the story behind our family pictures this year…

They were originally scheduled at the beginning of October. Which also turned out to be the day after Joel got Bell’s Palsy. So I emailed Gina and explained what happened and that Joel probably wouldn’t be up for taking pictures and asked if we could reschedule. Of course she was so understanding so we waited a few weeks to see how Joel was doing. He was getting so much better but his progress has been SLOW so we decided to go ahead and schedule them and hope for the best. Picture day came and Joel still couldn’t smile but he graciously agreed to just go ahead and take them. He is a good sport because I’m pretty sure if it had been me I would have not wanted to be in any pictures. Well, the boys and I look great…but Joel on the other hand… 🙂  I’m totally kidding. It is just weird to not see Joel’s big smile when that is such a defining characteristic of him, you know? And he wasn’t a big fan. I actually didn’t think he looked that bad. 😉  The boys looked adorable, of course!

So here are a few of our family pics this year…

Levi loves Miss Gina. Griffin wasn’t so sure. Can you sense his uneasiness? Haha.

But then he started to warm up.

And then Gina told us to make silly faces and this was Levi’s pose. How can you not smile at that crazy face?

And Griffin was all smiles after that.

I always like to have a picture to remember their sissy too. And my heart always aches a little when I actually see it. I wish so much that she was here, sandwiched in between her two crazy brothers.

See what I mean? Not bad, just not his typical smiley self. We did get one really good family pic where the Bell’s Palsy isn’t very obvious…but I’m saving that one for the Christmas card. 🙂

I think this is one of my favorites. Gina told them to go take a picture with their mama and they messed up my hair instead. So typical.

I love these two so much. What a gift it is to be there mama.

Thanks so much Gina! The pictures you take of my family are treasures…even the ones with crazy faces! And next year we will be back with all four of our smiles!

**Photos by Gina Dreher of Gina Dreher Photography**

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  • Krista - They are just adorable! I love the one of the little brothers holding the Cora doll, so sweet! And for some reason the one of them messing up your hair got me a little choked up!
    ~babykatesmomReplyCancel

  • Mary Ann - So so darling…all of them. Those silly boys!! Levi isn’t afraid to smile. I like the little dolly and I can’t imagine the feelings you get of missing your beautiful daughter. By the way, your outfit is adorable….love love love the skirt. I think they are all great pictures…your have a wonderful family.ReplyCancel

  • Becky - You will look back and love the memories good and bad and will always remember the year Joel has bells palsy 🙂 My brother went through the same thing!! You will be so glad you didn’t cancel pics.ReplyCancel

  • Katie D - The pictures are great! While the pics of Joel may not be his normal self, hang them and let them serve as a reminder of God’s protection and faithfulness through this trial. I love having visual reminders around my home of such things. It also gives me an opportunity to share with my kids what God did during that time and how great He is.ReplyCancel

  • SuperCutePetContest - Your boys are so cute! I love the picture where they are messing up your hair. Candid shots like that are the best.ReplyCancel

  • Tricia - Beautiful pictures! Those 2 boys couldn’t be any cuter. Great idea to include the doll to represent your little doll Cora 🙂ReplyCancel

  • gin - sweet sweet sweet! all the pictures are adorable. how special to include the memory of Cora. That makes me smile!ReplyCancel

  • Selena Bragg - Oh, they’re so good, Jess! I’m sorry for Joel… I have two friends who have suffered with BP, and I know how disheartening the recovery can be, however they are both back to normal, and I know the Lord will be faithful to answer your prayers, as well.

    Your family is precious, and your boys remind me so much of ours… they are 3 & 5, and baby boy #3 will be here in about 5 weeks! 🙂 Your G reminds me of my youngest; we should get our pics back the end of the week, and it took bribery to convince him to relax and enjoy the session as he was very hesitant and nervous… I am anxious to see them.

    Thank you for sharing your sweet family… the pic with their Sissy breaks my heart. I hope the promise and hope of Heaven brings you comfort. May God bless you and your family with joy, peace, and love throughout the coming holiday season.

    Selena

    P.S. I’m working hard to prepare my heart, as well as our home, and making a conscious effort in advance feels so good. Thanks for your help! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Lori - Adorable pics and adorable family! As always!! You need to tell me your secrecy to get Griffin to sit there with his big brother! I have some issues with getting Carter to sit still for some reason! ReplyCancel

  • Jennylee - Your pictures turned out great! What a beautiful family you have! I had BP right after I had my twins, they actually thought for a moment that I had a stroke, thankful to God that was not the case! But what a trooper Joel was to go ahead with the photos for you! I think I have ONE single photo of me during that time.ReplyCancel

  • creole wisdom - You have such a gorgeous family. Your beautiful, hopeful, positive perspective is the best of all. So amazed at how you handle challenge with such grace and optimism. I’m sure your cards will just be gorgeous 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Erin Hill - The pictures are wonderful. My husband actually had Bell’s Palsy a few years ago. Scared me to death! I remember being so sad because I was afraid I’d never see his smile again. It took a little while, but he did get his smile back. I’m so glad you were able to get family pictures anyway. Love them!ReplyCancel

  • Stefanie - Those pictures are beautiful!!!ReplyCancel

  • Erin - I love the picture of the boys with the Cora doll! I’ve been thinking about ways to do something similar, but haven’t come up with the right idea for our family yet.ReplyCancel