Jan
24
2011
four kids {I love my family}
I have to admit that I really love having four kids. There have been days already when the laundry is piled so high and dinner so burned that it threatens to steal my joy. But overall…four kids make me very happy. It’s funny how everyone has a different perception of a “large” family. I don’t think a family of six seems large at all (I came from a family of five). But I know a few people who think we’ve lost our minds…and it kind of cracks me up. I’d rather have a house full of kids than extra money in my savings account. I’d rather have lots of little faces (and messes) than a week on a luxury ocean liner too. And when people tell me how “I’ve got my hands full” I love to throw that little “Oh…we can’t wait to do this again” their way…gets them every time. So what’s a big number to you? Do you see lots of kids in your future or will you stick to what you’ve already got? There’s no right answer (don’t worry…there won’t be a quiz). Everyone is called to a different lifestyle. Just giving a fair warning to all those out there who think we are in over our heads…we {may not} be done 
I’m not really a fan of my make-shift studio photography. I’d much rather be out in the great outdoors. But I had my assistant available this weekend and even though the cloudy weather stole my beautiful natural light…I wasn’t going to attempt this on my own. And I’m WAY to impatient to have waited another week. So we barged ahead with our torture session photo shoot. I’m going to ignore the fact that I cut off Sam’s toes and just run with the best of the batch. I’m turning over a new leaf here called “happy they are all just in the same frame” and refuse to worry about all the little details that would have driven my former self crazy. I’m not even going to mention those little things (like the fact that Sam isn’t looking at the camera or that one of A’s eyes is ever so slightly squinty)…nope…not gonna mention them 
I actually really love this shot and it will likely find a spot somewhere in my house nice and BIG.
I took advantage of our little set-up and did some individuals of all the kiddos too (oh, how they loved that idea)…hoping to group some of these together somewhere!
biggest sister
middlest sister
biggish brother
baby brother
Mostly just really thankful I don’t need to photograph all the kids again for a bit. Funny how I love to photograph other people’s kids but my own scare the begeebers out of me. Proud to admit, however, that I did completely keep my cool this time and bribed them with M&Ms and promises of the Dollar Store. So I should definitely get some points for that. Plus some day they’ll love that I took all these pictures, right?
You have a lovely family, Jenn. Congratulations again!
Great pics Jenn ~ love your comments too….4 kids, a family of 6…when I was a single mom of 2 I knew I wanted more kids and thought 4 kids would be the best…5 years later God brought me a husband whose wife had died and he had 2 kids, 2+2=4…Yes! I adopted Todd and Kim and it was a success story of blending a family…lots of ups and downs, heartaches, disappointments, etc. but with Jesus in the mix we made it through every day. I’m with you, a family of six is not big, it’s Just Right!!! Happy Dance! (got that from you(;-).
JUST BEAUTIFUL!! Congratulations!! Let us know when you are open for business again, would love to head to KC for a little photo shoot of our little E!!
I love you, Paul and your four kids! Such a wonderful family. Love ya, Al
I have three and hear a lot of “you sure have your hands full” comments. I love the necklace at The Vintage Pearl that says “my hands are almost as full as my heart” with all the kids names on it!!
there can never be enough children in families!!
I love it! It’s taken us a looong time and a LOT of prayer and hard work to get our one little guy, and if that’s all the Lord allows us I will be content… but I am hoping and praying for more!
4 was always my goal, my perfect number, and it took quite a bit of work ( by the Holy Spirit himself! ) to convince my husband to go for the 4th ( our daughter who awaits us in Ethiopia! ). But then we were barely started in the process when Mr. “3 is enough” mentioned a sister for our daughter. Now I’m thinking 3 boys and 3 girls would be just perfect!!! ( haven’t quite gotten the Ok on that 3rd girl yet, but I’m dreaming! )
Adoption changes everything. You see those little faces at the government orphanage and think, how could we possibly stop at just one!?
Love the pictures, as always! Soooo glad to see that little guy home where he belongs!
Blessings!
Betsy
your brood is oh so beautiful! (and seriously, that first shot is amazing. i have no idea how you can come up with things to improve–looks like utter perfection to me.)
as for family size–if there’s another child who needs a family, i’d sure like to see if we can be that family.
I am 3rd of 7 ( 2 boys and 5 girls)and I would like at least 3 kids.
I love your blog!
Beautiful family! Beautiful pics! I have 5 brothers and 1 sister and my sister is adopted. I love large families.
My new response to comments about our crazy house is…”If you think my house is full, you should see my heart.”
Beautiful pictures! I come from a large family (I think 8 kids usually qualifies!). I have three kids, which feels like a very small family to me. My DH only has one brother, so it feels big to him. As you can imagine, we don’t quite see eye to eye on whether our family is big enough!
Love every single one! You are so talented Jenn – and your family is beautiful!
You have a BEAUTIFUL family, I love every single picture!
B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. pictures!!! I wish I was 1/2 as talented as you!!!
When we got married, I wanted 8 kids…honestly it was even part of our wedding ceremony (out pastor joked about it). I just hope that God’s plan for us is to have a big family. Time will tell!
God bless your new family!
Oh my! Each and every one of them are just priceless. I am so proud for you and Paul. You both are an inspiration to others about what really matters in life. Thank you for the reminder.
Fantastic, so fun to see them all together. Daniel looks so happy and I can tell from his expressions he knows he is home. Love you,
Your kids are so cute and biggish brother suddenly really looks like big brother compared to the little baby brother!
We have four. People look at us like we are CRAZY! We love our family.
Thanks for the beautiful pictures.
I have only ever heard older people say they wish they had more children. Never have I heard someone say, “I wish I had a smaller family.” We have 5, and I’ve always wanted 7, ever since seeing the Sound of Music
I have loved watching your family’s story and LOVE your photos… stumbled upon your blog, and it’s been one of my favorities ever since.
your crew is gorgeous! what a gift from God you have! we have 5 sweet babes {4 with us and 1 in heaven} our youngest is 6.5 mths old… and like you we [may not] be done
!
Congratulations on the new little guy – he is ADORABLE!! Those CHEEKS!! I imagine you spend a good part of the day kissing ‘em! Love the pics, especially the first one of the gang. Lots of blessings at your house! I enjoy your blog and have prayed for your adoption journey. Beautiful family!
We have 4 and love every single crazy minute. I love these photos. Your children shine and sparkle. They are so obviously loved. It’s beautiful to see. Now, in your spare time please teach a photography class to moms.
As long as you can say “the more the merrier” KEEP GOING!!
There’s no perfect number until the flu strikes. Let me know.
Seriously, now, GREAT PICS!!!! Can’t wait to come for another snowy visit!!!!
women haircuts…
I think this is among the most significant information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The website style is wonderful, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers…