Hoot's Baptism

Sunday was a very big day for The Lambert family. Last fall Hoot started talking about becoming a Christian and what it meant to be a follower of Jesus Christ. He would ask a few questions and then drop it for a while. He once compared Jesus to Superman... they both could fly when they wanted to... we decided he was still a little immature to comprehend salvation and decided not to push the conversations. In October he started asking again. He was persistent that we tell him what it meant and how he could become a follower of Jesus. The very first prayer I prayed over my son was that God would call him to himself and that Hoot would indeed ask Christ into his heart and follow him whole heartedly. I prayed that he would be sold out for Christ and that he would be unashamed of his relationship with Christ. I prayed this over him when the nurse placed him in my arms after he was released from a short stay in the NICU. (I also prayed for the woman he would someday marry) This was not a decision we as parents could make for our son. We committed to raise him in a christian home and teach him Godly principles, but the ultimate decision to accept what Christ did on the cross and choose to make him Lord of his life was his... We still weren't sure he was ready to make this commitment. He is only 7 years old. We still have a lot discipling to do with him, but he understands that he is indeed a sinner and that the only way to God is through Jesus. John 14: 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. We were very proud parents as we watched our son acknowledge his salvation in baptism. This was a very important step of obedience in his spiritual walk. After churhc we took him out for lunch and presented him with his very own big boy bible. The tears were flowing... I was trying to hold back, but they just kept coming.

Happy Chinese New Year from Wawa

Dr. Kevin Leman

If you ever have the opportunity to hear Dr. Kevin Leman speak...don't miss it!http://www.drleman.com/store/ Dr. Leman has been at our church speaking on marriage, children, "perfection" etc. We have been in stitches and in tears. I have read a couple of his books and loved them. He is an awesome Godly man with so much wisdom to share. We left last night so encouraged and Lambert and I talked into the early hours this morning. Dr. Leman asked us to think about the kindest thing our spouse had ever done for us... and then to share it with them later that evening. It's funny how I had forgotten what Lambert thought was the most special thing I had ever done for him. Likewise the most special things he had done for me didn't seem that big to him. It's the little things we do for our spouses that matter so much. Dr. Leman talked about "winning in marriage" some of us keep score and want to one up the other. For instance if Lambert told someone we went to the movies last Friday, and it was really Saturday, I don't need to interupt and correct him." I hear couples do this often and to tell you the truth we used to do that early in our marriage. Neither win, when were constancly correcting and pointing out flaws in each other. I can't wait to go back this evening to hear about having a new kid by Friday... I've read this book and boy did it work with Hoot. Dr. Leman offers pratical biblical truths for raising kiddos. If you're at your witts end with arguing and repeating yourself over and over... this is a must read. My sweeties! Blessings, SAL

My First Photo Session

I was fortunate to shoot a graduating senior from my church a few weeks back. I felt very blessed to shoot this kid. He has accomplished so much in the last 6 months. You may recognize him from Dateline http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/400-pound-teen-opts-gastric-bypass-14469393. We have had the blessing to get to know Nick and his family through our church. They are such a sweet sweet family and have really been a blessing to us. Libbie immediately bonded with Nick when we came home from China. Nick's mom works in our church nursery and Libbie decided to like her too (i think because Nick liked her). Nick's mom arranged meals for us after Libbie's last surgery. We had enough food to feed the neighborhood and it was very much appreciated. I really want to start a part time photography business, so I asked Nick to be my model... He obliged and so did his mom and brother. They were such a fun family to shoot and we had a great time. Nick is on the swim team at his high school so I'm going to get some water shots in the next couple of weeks. I just wanted to share these with my photography friends. All of you have been very encouraging and have given me some awesome tips, advice and pointers. Who knows where this will lead, but I have been praying for months for God to open a door for me. As you know I have a love of the camera and I just felt I might be able to do this! So I'm taking appointments and starting out REALLY cheap! If you know of anyone looking for family photos, senior portraits, engagement photos, birth announcements etc... send them my way if they are in the Houston area. (they have to be okay working with a rookie) I love they way these turned out. He is really shy and reserved!!!

Round Two

Were 6 weeks down and 12 to go. The second surgery was a success and our Doll did much better with the second surgery. She is recovering and has had minimal pain. I was blessed to have my mom and dear friend with me during her surgery. Lambert is working six days a week now and could not leave the shop... I thought owning a business would come with with all the time off perks... not so much (well not in this economy) so I was afraid I was going to be alone at the hospital. I am a very blessed gal. My mom came down to help with Hoot and she was able to be there with me and Kim came just beofre the surgery and was able to stay for breakfast. (thank you for the treats) The hours seemed to race by. We had a wonderful visit and I'm convinced this is the year I will get serious about my health and well being. Kim is such an encourager and so very very wise. Libbie came out of surgery around 1:00PM and didn't go to sleep until midnight!!! She just couldn't go to sleep. Her pain was under control and the next morning she was back to herself. She was ready to go! We were discharged by 10:30AM and on our way home. I want to thank the staff at Shriners again. It's just an amazing place. If you ever want to make a charitable donation just know that Shriners are serving children worldwide. So, were home and recovering. She chose a camo cast this time... I wasn't sure, but I think it's pretty cute! Checking in... aren't these gowns the cutest? Volunteers sew them. She found a kitchen in the playroom prior to surgery. She was busy cooking breakfast for any takers! Her favorite thing to say is, "are you hungy?" The correct response is "yes I am" and then she will prepare a culinary masterpeice for your dining pleasure. These photos are terrible but I have to share. The lighting was awful. It was time to roll.. our nurse said Libbie was a very happy "Drunk" She was in rare form! The finished product... Her left foot looks great! You can really see the contour and it looks perfect. She will fit into braces nicely when it's all said and done AND she'll be able to wear normal tennis shoes and or mary janes... no sandals in her near future, but were thankful we won't have to special order orthotic shoes anymore. Thank you thank you for all your prayers and support! We are so very blessed!

Favorite Holiday Photos

I'm just posting some random photos I took the month of December. I'm working with Photoshop CS5 and a few actions that I LOVE LOVE LOVE. I've been so inspired lately. I haven't put the camera down and I stay up ALL NIGHT editing. I look like a zombie and feel like one too. Were ALL hitting the sack by 9:00 tonight (kids 8:30). Happy New Year Bad glare on Papa's face, but I love this shot Beautiful friends Hoot has the VERY best Grinch voice EVER I finally learned how to save edited photos in a JPEG so I can post. I love this one of the WAWA. I haven't figured out indoor lighting without natural sunlight, but I'm working on it.