Growing up in a close knit family was something I never even thought about until I started to have my own family.  Now, I think about it constantly.  It is such a blessing to have a close knit family!  I know that some are not so fortunate and my heart aches for them and my prayers will go forth for them in the future. 

    Unfortunately, there was a time, during my teens, that I was not so close with my family and I alienated myself due to some bad life choices I was making at the time.  Thank goodness my parents are fervent prayers and never ceased!  They even had people on the internet praying for me!  Guess what, God did save me and I did regain that closeness with my family again!  I now talk to my mom everyday and see them every chance I get.  I love watching them love on my children and share many of the values I so enjoyed growing up.

     As a child, I remember doing everything together.  We ate every meal, watched my brothers various sporting endeavors, went on bike rides, skied, went to the beach, camped, played board games,  and went to church… together.  Now that I am a mom, I think about what I need to do to create that close knit family and what I want my family dynamics to look like.  I try to choose the things I think will bring us closer together and I definitely think that sometimes requires sacrifice and persistence. 

     One tradition I carry on is eating every meal together at the table with all distractions put away.  This can be very difficult at times, because I am tired , or it is easier not to turn the tv off etc.  I am not perfect by all means, but it just means so much to me to sit, talk and not need another form of entertainment other than that of each other.  We talk, laugh, my husband and I sometimes get frustrated by the lack of eating, and we play games at times.  Guess what, it brings us closer together and for that I make the effort.

     Well, this shoot I am about to share is not my family, but a family that made me think of close knit.  These children, mom included were super tight.  I definitely think this came across in their photos.  These hand holding beautiful, caring and sweet children were such a blessing to photograph.  Their mama should be proud!  Hope you enjoy!

Oh, and if anyone might need a prayer for their family, send me a message.  I promise to keep quite and pray!