Eric & Margie // Scio Oregon Anniversary Session

Thirty-four years ago today, these two promised to love each other for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death parts them.

Now here they are, four kids and almost four grandkids later, with a few more gray hairs and a lot more wisdom. I am so glad that I got to have them as my parents…they’re far from perfect, but they live out Christ’s perfect love in an imperfect world every day.

Last March, I moved back to the old home place, and started renting our old shop from them (you can see the way I turned it from a grubby shop to a comfy home by clicking here). Since then, I have gotten an up close and personal view of that love as they have remodeled my childhood home, moved, and lived through a pretty tough summer. But even when it seemed like the valley would never end, I saw the love of Christ shining through.

But then that’s just my parents, you know? My mom loves to serve, and reminds you that she loves you every time she tells you to turn on your headlights as you’re driving out of the driveway, or every time she suggests a vitamin or essential oil that will probably cure everything that is ailing you. And my dad, well he loves to spend quality time with people, and the many conversations over a good cup of coffee and the deep questions he will ask are all reminders of the confidence he has in you and the love that he has for you.

Yeah, I really hit the jackpot with these two as my parents.

A few Sundays back, I was finally able to get them in front of my camera for a few minutes. We had been talking about taking pictures since sometime last fall, but it just never seemed to work out. But then the clouds parted and the sunshine came out and since they were still dressed up from church, it just seemed like we should seize the day! And oh, I am so, so glad that we did.

Photographers: if you have not recently taken photos of your own family, you need to do it, like, NOW. Last May, I semi-forced my dad’s parents in front of my camera, and I know I will forever be grateful to myself for doing that. And these photos of my own parents are ones I know myself and my siblings will treasure always as well. Don’t get so caught up in capturing other people’s memories that you forget to capture your own memories. (Not discounting capturing other people’s memories at all, but I don’t want you to regret not capturing your own, either.)

Mom + Dad, thanks for being the example of Christ’s love that you are to me and the rest of your offspring. I am so thankful for the life you gave us growing up, and even more grateful now as an adult for the love and support and encouragement you gave (and definitely continue to give) to all of us. I hope and pray that this next year brings you closer to each other and closer to Jesus, and gives you all the time with your grandchildren that you could possibly want. I love you guys more than words can say. Happy Anniversary!!