In a small way, the colorful item’s purchase represents the end of darker times — hard times that are finally getting a little lighter.

And now the family will have a way to permanently capture this Christmas season. Apex’s Pure Expressions Photography chose the family from dozens of applicants to receive a family Christmas portrait valued at $1,700.

“It’s always been a dream of mine,” said Phyllis Sosdian of the getting a family portrait done. Though with six kids, two layoffs and various sicknesses to contend with over the past years, it hasn’t been a reality for the family.

Pure Expressions owner Aimee Bickers knows how important a good portrait can be. One she has of her three kids is among her most cherished possessions.

This is the first year her Apex business, started three years ago, is offering the Christmas gift. Part of the reason she chose the Sosdians is because they have so many children.

Although they have six, they weren’t quite expecting the last two. After years of trying to conceive with no luck, Phyllis and her husband Tom decided to adopt, and then they just kept doing it, she joked.

Now they have Tara, 25, Kenny, 22, Joshua, 15, and SunMee, 12. Joshua and Sun Mee were adopted from Korea.

Then, 10 years ago they were surprised when Phyllis got pregnant with twins Jacob and Philip.

In the last eight years the couple has struggled to provide for all their children, with Peter getting laid off twice from computer programming jobs and Phyllis having health problems.

It was pulling together as a family that helped get them through all the challenges, she said.

The family will wear white shirts and jeans for the photo, a look that Phyllis likes.

But what will be more important will be the feelings that the portait captures — feelings of love and security. Feelings of family.