Just Because

We have a fantastic tugboat located in a park near our home--perfect for a little photo shoot. Now if you're thinking, those poor kids, all dressed up again for pictures, don't worry, we had a deal. Since it is such a cool park, they got to play after Mommy took a few photos. They were great for me AND they got to explore a new place. Why did I need more pics of them in another location? It's my job to document their growth, they make me laugh, and well... just because :)

Project 365

I've joined Project 365. I came across it on several different blogs and it seems like a goal I just might be able to pull off (at least my friends and family would say so). This project requires you to take a photo every day for one year. The purpose is to capture life as it is in your home and family and to look back at a year in pictures. They're worth a thousand words, you know :)

So, after getting excited about the idea, I perused my January pics so far, with my daughter and we checked the specs on each one to see if I had taken one a day. A couple of times, we got a little nervous as certain sets of photos had the same date but lo and behold, we found that I had indeed taken at least one every day of this new year! Two of the days contained ones in which my children had begged me to pick up the camera and take a shot of them doing something silly. Because this is a regular occurrence around here, I declined, replying that I was too busy. They had persisted and I finally grabbed my camera and took the shot to appease. I'm glad I did. Here is a photo of what a concerted effort in the Project 365 might look like...

Oliver woke up this morning and sat himself on the heat register in the bathroom with all his furry friends--definitely a "day in the life" type of photo for our family.

Then, there's the photo you take at the end of the day when you realize you haven't taken a photo that day and you're failing the project and it's only January...

This is Emily's "princess skirt". This girl has been seen wearing it over pants and even asleep with it over top of her pyjamas. It is a special and lovely thing in her eyes and makes her feel "go-geous". So, even when I've forgotten to take a great photo of my kids or something important, a picture like this still tells a story of life in our family.

I'd love to see some "every day photos" from your home. If you think you might want to join Project 365 as well (which you don't have to sign up for anywhere), drop me a comment and I'll check out your posted pictures! If you've already missed a few days, just fill them in with other pics and continue on from today! Happy photographing!

You can view a Blogger's Project 365 from last year, here...

http://www.thewellroundedmama.com/2010/01/project-365.html

And this year's photos from a Blogger, here...

http://davejenbarnes.com/

First Day of School Photo Shoot

Okay, let's do a little first day of school photo shoot.

Beautiful, Meghan--Good. Nice smile.

That's it, Emily, gorgeous grin.

Oops, small distraction. Everyone leaves the photo location to chase the cat.

Uh, Molly, what's that you've got in your hands?

No more fooling around, Guys, let's take the photos quickly so we can get to our school work!

Oliver, no candies right now. You don't have to have a candy every time you get
your picture taken. Oh alright, maybe you can have one after you smile.

(Many minutes pass and Mommy gives up)

A much happier boy is ready for smiling (with his candy in his pocket).

We have a winner, folks!

(and Oliver's hands are still open for more)

Permanently Attached

It comes with me wherever I go. Some people don't understand it, others appreciate it. I feel like it's my way of preserving all the goodness of the moment, capturing a feeling, a thought, a memory. My camera is permanently attached to me and it's not in the brand, or the size, as important as those things are. For example, I love the photos I took with a disposable camera on the vacation I forgot my battery pack. The pictures were grainy and poor quality but I won't forget that trip. My kids used to run away from my camera but now they pose and say, "Take a picture of me, Mommy!" My husband is now picking it up and making sure I get in the photos, like I'm part of the family :) There are a hundred things that are more important than this little machine but, I'm blessed to be able to photograph those hundred special things while I can.

Moment of Truth

We have the most wonderful Children's Pastors at our church and once again, they put on a fabulous presentation with the kids. Our oldest was part of the choir and was simply giddy about a little secret she was keeping about the play. I watched her intently the whole way through, trying to capture this surprise she had not even hinted about, with my camera! With heavy arms, I lifted the camera over and over, determined to document it.

In one particular song, I recognized that face of concentration which donned a suppressed smile and I knew this must be the moment of truth. Within seconds, she proudly thrust a sign, bearing the seventh commandment, high in the air. Oh, the rippling excitement that surged through my body as I snapped a shot of her very special job. Terry and I looked at each other and laughed at the sweetness of it all. "Did you get it?" he asked. I nodded. Knowing she would be anticipating our comments, I had the satisfaction of holding the evidence. I had triumphed in the world of motherhood.

Thanks again, Pastor Randy and Esther! You love the kids of our church and you're talented too! The message of the presentation was amazing and I'm sure many were touched by it.

In Mommy's Footsteps

All of my children enjoy taking my little Kodak camera around and shooting a few photos, and they get really excited when I let them hold my "good" camera. But the Elmo brand gets more mileage than anything. I have to admit that I get tired of hearing that little red monster's voice saying, "Smile for Elmo!" when the shutter button is pressed over and over, but I grin obediently and remember that I want them to smile for me when I'm the one on the other side of the lens. It's very precious to watch them following in Mommy's footsteps by noticing details around them and relishing in capturing memories.

My prayer is that they follow in my footsteps in ways that truly matter to their lives. Am I being the kind of mom God has designed me to be? Am I being a gentle guide, leading them through the mountains and valleys of life? Am I loving each one of them as they need to be loved? In their love language? I wrestle with these questions daily. I realize that it's only when I'm following in my Father's footsteps, that I am able to be one they should emulate. I'm reminded of Galatians 5:22: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." It all begins at home.

Father, help me to follow in Your footsteps so that my children may follow in mine.

And so it begins...

So, here I am journaling (which is normal for me) in a format that is new to me. Who would have thought I would enter the contemporary world of blogging? At this point in my life, it may be the quickest way to preserve memories and publish thoughts and share them with others --if they have the grace to read them :) And so my blogging journey begins amidst diapers, homeschooling, laundry, photography, and doing my best to live for my Heavenly Father. Thanks for joining me along the way.