My dad graciously took Easter photos of my kids (sorry that the photo program cut a lot off of your great editing!!!) .
Samuel used to be so photogenic we thought about getting him an agent. And now we spend 90% of our time just trying to get a real smile out of him. His looks are a combination of my dad, Tyler, Tyler's brother Troy, and my younger brother Levi. He doesn't have any of me (except my hair genes :)) The third row, 2nd to last photo is SO Troy when he was a kid! Crazy!
Here is Jocelyn. She loves the camera. The first upper left hand picture is her classic "I am Chinese" face. You can see both sides of our family in her. Me, my Aunt Emily boston, Lori my mother-in-law and sometimes my mom. Rarely Tyler.
We gave talks in Church a few weeks ago and we were able to speak about our Savior, Jesus Christ, which was nice at this poignant time of year. It was a great opportunity for us to really reflect on His life. I spoke about how we need to teach our children about the Savior and live Christ-like lives in order to be better examples to children and for our own salvation. I kept remembering a high school teacher of History who was male and single (and very chauvinistic) who would always say mockingly, "Oh, the children...the children!" with a tremolo on the OH!" It was so annoying. If he only knew how important they really are! They watch our every move and learn so quickly. But you already know this! But I am still amazed at how much they pick up on our behavior and mannerisms. We have to be so careful. I also mentioned the commitment penguins have to their family. (see the movies Happy Feet or better yet, the documentary March of the Penguins). They thrive on love and teaching by example. It made me think of my own family. If I truly love them then I need to take the responsibility to love the Savior and teach them to do the same. He is just not a picture of a man with a robe and a beard. He is special and we need Him in our lives, especially now. Oh, how the children will need Him when they are grown!
So, yes, Easter was about eggs and bunnies and lots and lots of candy. But I hope Samuel and Jocelyn gleaned something of this time of year beyond all of that.
Your kids are BEAUTIFUL!! I love all the pictures. I love Jocelyn's dress! Where did you get it? Oh... and
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!! I hope your day is the best ever!
I love this post for so many reasons. Thanks for sharing your children, your dad's talents, your reminder about how special children are, and your love of the Savior.
ReplyDeleteHi - I would be Tyler's cousin Jim's wife. I enjoy reading your blog even though I hardly know any of you. I know what you mean about getting kids to grasp the real meaning of the important holidays, which tend to be the ones most commercialized. Your kids are super cute! and photogenic. Amy
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pics! Of course it's ok I'm on your list. I put you on mine too. I agree, blogging is a great way to keep up with family. Your kids really do look like Stoehrs! However, I don't know what your side of the family looks like, so I'm probably biased.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Hannah! How did you do the collage?
ReplyDeleteOoohhh SO cute! We love your kids. Of course Grant was just as excited to look at those cute pics too. I like Jocie's dress. And the piano ones, and that first one up top. I miss them, a few more weeks. Have fun for your bday
ReplyDeleteThose pictures of your kids are amazing! What a beautiful family! I found your link from Andrea's blog - I hope things are going well!!
ReplyDeleteDarling pictures! I love the grids you put them in, I need to learn how to do that, so cute! It looks like you really had a great Easter! Thanks for posting this!
ReplyDeleteHannah, your kids are so cute! Thanks for sharing all those pictures :)
ReplyDeletep.s oops that comment was from Lizzie not Sarah. I'm logged into her computer
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