Not too long ago, I had the lovely opportunity of photographing an absolutely beautiful family–the Sales Tribe! John & I met the Sales Tribe in Old Town Temecula to start the shoot! It was an absolutely lovely day for this awesome family–sunny & a bit windy! To help out with my church’s youth camp (REVAMP), I donated my services to help some of our youth with the funding–Auntie May & Uncle Nelson were one of the winners! :)

We had planned the shoot the same night of the auction because their eldest son, Nathan, was back in town for a week as a mini vacation from his mission trip in Kauai! This family is a wonderful example of a family that serves the Lord whole-heartedly together. I was so blessed to be able to spend some time with them all during the shoot! (A little cool side-note! It was so cool because I ended up having Noah, the second eldest boy, in my REAMP team this past Apirl, too!!)

 

 

A little introduction given to me by Auntie May of each member of this loving family:

Nelson (dad)
A hard working man who loves his family. He loves to make you laugh at his corny jokes, he tries though and who laugh at his own jokes. He knows how to make you comfortable and loved and who continue to strive to follow and lead his family to Jesus.

May (mom)
The heart of the family ready to tackle anything! Ready to protect and fight on her knees praying is her source of her strength to face the day.

Nathan (oldest son)
Brave young man free spirit a humble servant of the LORD.

Alyza (the only girl – the Princess)
Strong quiet spirited young woman who loves the Lord with a tender heart that’s loves life, friends, and family.

Noah
The brain child in the family shooting for the stars.

Daniel
Mommy’s sweet child fond at heart in making mommy special!

Aaden
Free spirited so loving and yet not afraid to explore at his age!

 

 

 

 

 

I can attest to Aaden being free-spirited! He was so silly during the shoot! Their entire family is filled with such beautiful people! John & I had such a fun time with them! :)

 

 

 

 

“My family loves to serve the Lord. We persevere and continually trust in the Lord on His plan for each one of us. Live, simple remain grateful everyday.” – May

 

 

 

 

Over the years with 5 children, you could imagine that Auntie May & Uncle Nelson learned some bits of wisdom here and there! ;)

Auntie May shared some words of wisdom she’s learned as a parent!

We have learned that as a parent that we must lead by example, lots of prayer for our kids, unconditional love, patience, and grace. We learned how to forgive and forget right away and not to sweat the little stuff that we have no control of. Don’t promise something you cannot keep. Always discipline with love and correction. Only by God’s grace total dependency through the Biblical principles inscribe in the Word for guidance.

 

 

 

 

 

Auntie May & Uncle Nelson host prayer meetings at their home! They’re truly set an example of a prayerful family with full faith in the Lord. And truly, you see the joy of the Lord in how they live out their lives! I’m pretty sure I always see them laughing and smiling with everyone around them. :)

 

 

 

 

Lastly, of course, they wanted their photos with their precious son, Nathan, who was once in my REVAMP team years ago, before he left to go back to Hawaii!

 

 

 

 

The shoot was so much fun and it was a blessing getting to meet their entire family! :)

A last piece of familial wisdom from Auntie May:

A family that prays together stay together. Our family is a circle of strength; founded on faith joined in the love by God. We love, because He first loved us. “But for me and my house we will serve the LORD.” – Joshua 24:15