Minted

I've worked with minted on some projects in the past. Check them out here: http://www.minted.com/. They have some of the best designs out there. And the neatest facet of their business is that they are constantly looking for designers to showcase on their site. Amongst their card and stationary designs, they have chosen designers from around the country to be represented. What a neat opportunity for freelancers like me!

This holiday season, I was humbled when Minted chose to showcase some of my photography in their Christmas card designs. So, go to the above website, search through the holiday cards, and see if you recognize any familiar faces. You should be able to find not only all of my kiddos, but also our whole family represented amongst the many seasons greetings.

Ok...here's just one example...



But go to the minted site for many more!

So in conclusion, Merry Christmas from the 'Burke' Family...And no, we haven't changed our last name ;)

Re-Elected Again!

For the past several months, we have been campaigning. In case you've missed it thus far on the blog, my husband is a county supervisor which is an elected public office. {Some states call them commissioners instead of supervisors, if that helps you out-of-state blog followers.} He first ran for office back in 2003 and successfully won against the then democratic incumbent. Jason was only 24 years old when he was first elected into office, becoming the youngest supervisor ever elected.

After a four year term, Jason ran for re-election. Jason again faced the same man he had beat four years prior, who this time ran as an independent. And there was also a democratic challenger, making it a three-way race. Jason won handily.

When it came time to decide whether to run for re-election once again, Jason struggled with it. I told him I would support him in whatever he decided to do. After much prayer and prodding from county constituents, Jason did decide to run again. This was after the county convention had already taken place, which meant that Jason needed to be added onto the ballet via a write-in campaign due to the fact that he hadn't decided by the deadline to turn in declaration papers. Long story short, Jason successfully won a write-in campaign, only to face...you guessed it...the same man he had beaten four years prior, and four years prior to that! Well, the third time wasn't a charm for that man, because Jason once again is our county supervisor winning by over 60 percent of the votes!

We are so very blessed to have so many people willing to support Jason, not only with votes, but with hard work helping to getting him elected by putting up yard signs, walking in numerous parades, handing out literature door to door, etc. So a BIG 'thank-you' goes out to our family, friends and neighbors who helped us get elected. Jason does not take the position lightly, and truly strives to do what is best for our county to continue to have it be a place we're proud to call home.

Nevertheless, we are glad to have campaigning and another election behind us, and the kids are proud to say their dad won! Gabe's response: "I knew Dad would get it. He's the best! Why wouldn't he win!?!" Nothing sweeter than a son proud of his father...well, except four kiddos proud of their father of course!



Four more years!!!

Halloween 2010

I am so behind on my blogging. So much to share, so little time. And since time remains lacking for me these days, I will make this a 'few-words, many-photos' post of my trick-or-treaters. I think the photos speak for themselves.

So without further ado, here is my little pumpkin...







my fairy princess...







my Batman...





and last, but not least, my cowboy...







Oh how I love this crew of kiddos!



Really, I look at these photos and my heart bursts with joy. And with overwhelming humility that the Lord would bless Jason and I with such a great bunch of beautiful kids. Blessed, indeed.

Vacation continued...Washington D.C. {Photo Overload Ahead!}

This will be the final post on our family vacation, I promise! And since this is the last post and I have many, many photos to share, let this be your warning that there are a lot of photos ahead. So many memories from the Washington D.C. portion of our trip, so much history. What a neat place to take elementary school kids who are learning about our country in school. We'll definitely be venturing back when all the kids can appreciate it. It was all a little over Chloe and Gavin's heads.

Anyway, enjoy!

The Air & Space Museum was a favorite, of course...







As was the Museum of Natural History. How could dinosaurs not be a hit with kids, right...





Gabe enjoyed posing with a scared look in front of the dinos...



And Chloe was happy to join in as well...



The four kids in front of the Lincoln Memorial...



And looking out across the mall with the Washington Monument in view...





Freedom is not Free, so true...



Future President, perhaps...



Our whole crew in front of the White House...



Just the girls...



Jason and the kids in front of Georgetown Cupcake, the focus of the TLC show, DC Cupcakes. There was a line around the corner waiting to get inside to buy cupcakes, so needless to say we just got a few photos and didn't actually get a taste of the goods inside the store.



I love this snapshot of Chloe with her head on Cooper's shoulder. So sweet...



And Chloe, posing against a Georgetown building...



What a wonderful vacation we had! And that's how memories are made.

Fear of tight spaces...?

I think not. Actually, Gavin seems to rather enjoy tight spaces. I can't keep him out of them...





Especially when there's food to be found in those tight spaces...



I don't think he quite gets that he's in trouble. He seems rather pleased with himself...



Too cute to get too upset at, right?!?

Vacation continued...Philadelphia

As promised, here are some more photos from our summer road trip. These are from our day in Philadelphia. The kids were troopers. Yes, they had their moments as overtired kids do, but overall it was a great day in Philly!

That city has so much history. So amazing to think that we stood in various places where our forefathers stood. Where they pledged to lead our nation under God. So sad to see how far our country has strayed from that original Godly vision of government. But I digress.

On to the photos...

The Liberty Bell


The clock tower from the Franklin Institute Museum. Our kids recognized it from the movie 'National Treasure,' so they were excited!


Jason and the kids running up the famous Rocky steps. The kids had no idea why they were doing this as they of course haven't seen Rocky, but they were happy to humor us anyway...




hmmm...what can I say about this photo? Yes, that is a man with his shirt off. Yes, the other man is in fact bouncing a basketball in the fountain...


Chloe having one of those 'moments' I was talking about...




The city of brotherly love...






Which original Philadelphia cheese steak joint is the best? Geno's Steaks...


Or Pat's Steaks...


The two establishments are a mere block apart and both claim the title of 'best' cheese steak restaurant. Jason's verdit...


They're both pretty tasty...


I think it was a tie!

And here's us saying goodbye to Philadelphia through the smog. Hope to see you again someday!