Cowan Clan 2011 ~ Merry Christmas!

Hello Everyone and MERRY CHRISTMAS! I pray your day was filled with God's blessing as we all celebrated the love, joy, peace, and hope that came to us in the form of a baby this day. For those of you that have experience loss or hurt throughtout this year or are separated from loved ones perhaps this day was filled with sadness. My prayer is that you would use this time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus taking on the form of a baby, willingly coming knowing He would be asked to give the ultimate sacrifice for us, His life.

This year may not have been what you expected.... there may have been unexpected twists and turns throughout the years. You may even now be sitting down looking at your computer screen and asking yourself "Why?" The hope I cling to is that that God is all knowing, there are no surprises for Him, and His love for us is everlasting. He KNOWS best and His plans are better than we could ever fathom... even when we don't understand all the whys....


We had a wonderful Christmas, God was very gracious to all of us. It was hard to have Shelby "missing" but we are all so happy that she has been able to be a blessing to others this holiday season and we look forward to her return home soon!

Merry Christmas!
Kristina for the Cowan Clan!

Kehoe Family Images

First of all, let me just say I'm so sorry... I meant to post this blog LAST WEEK! WHEW! My how time flies by...

This is a shoot that almost didn't happen. I was supposed to be out of town this weekend, so I had told them I wasn't available. However, my plans ended up changing so I contacted them and told them if they were still interested I was now available on this weekend. I am so glad that we were able to do it. I enjoyed their sweet spirits and capturing the great love they have as a family.

I was excited to be able to use my new little white chair. It's just the right size!

I hope all of you are having a great day as we get closer and closer to Christmas!

Till next time,

Kristina

Welcome HOME to the 40th MP Battalion!

Last Sunday I was honored to get to be a part of something truly special! I went to wait with the families and to be there with them as their loved ones returned from Iraq in time for Christmas.

It was a long wait for some as there were delays, but I think everyone would say it was worth the wait to see their loved ones as they arrived! I for one, was sooo happy to be there. As a military brat I could relate to the emotions in the room, and yes... I cried.. I AM human. :-) It was a wonderful moment for each of these families... but it is also a reminder that there are those serving our country that won't be home for the holidays, and my prayers are with them and their loved ones back home.

Here are some highlights of the day!

This little guy was sooo proud of his sign, he wanted to make sure EVERYONE saw it! :-)

They showed a slideshow of pictures while we waited, of the soldiers while they've been gone, and of family members back home too... They had some great song choices in there, and yes, this was my FIRST time crying that day, but not my last.


People watching the slideshow and looking for their loved one in the photos.

The kiddos really did a great job hanging in there. It was obvious some had been there since early that morning and were tired. Poor little things!

It was so nice to see all the signs people had made as well as all the flags people were holding onto awaiting the special moment.

The first ARRIVAL!

As these doors opened to reveal the soldiers headed in, in formation the crowd went wild! You really can't imagine the emotions in the place. You HAD to be there to see it!

Soldiers waiting in line to be released to their families.... That had to be hard.

Everyone looking for their soldier in the lineup. You can see some happy faces as they found them!

Then the ceremonial first kiss home, and then they were released and family members RUSHED out to join their soldier! It was CHAOS! But good chaos! :-)

I loved how this soldier jumped right back into being a Dad getting his little girl's shoes on and buttoning her coat for her. You could tell they had missed one another and that he was SOOO happy to be home.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my highlights from the day! Perhaps it gives you a small glimpse into military life, and perhaps you will enjoy your family this Christmas season even more with the reminder that there are those who have sacrificed their Christmases to protect and serve you.

God bless,

Kristina