I Needed That

Sometimes I'm glad to find old pictures on the camera when I dump them all on the computer.

Because things I've forgotten, are brought to mind again.

And, many times, there are pictures I didn't even realize I had...thanks to little hands who pick up the camera and snap away.

As I downloaded pictures last night, of what I thought was Nutcracker from last weekend, my camera said "236 pictures downloading". Ummm, what?? It should be like 50?

What I didn't remember is the day my girls took the camera outside (with permission!) to do a photo shoot together. I never heard much about it, except a few things overheard between them about how pretty their dolls looked.

So, last night, I was quite surprised to find their {numerous} still-life images captured on camera.

And, right in the midst of a crazy, busy week, I just stopped and stared at each one, realizing for a minute what it was like to be a child. They notice the little things. And, they take time to capture it.

I don't do that enough. And, I sure needed that time, just looking through things that happened weeks and weeks ago on a afternoon of sister-bonding outside. (probably while Mommy took a nap on the couch!)

There were a few that surprised me (it was the doll face in the bushes. a little creepy.)

And, some that made me smile. (man, she's getting big.)

And, then many that made me laugh out loud.

But, then, a whole series of tree pictures that took my breath away.

My girls LOVE nature. In fact, Kendyll said just yesterday that she just feels "all cooped up" with this cold weather, and she just needs some time in nature. (This was a plea to go out and explore the pioneer village in 30 degree weather.) Love that girl.

She's the one that took pictures like these:

And, I love that this one day in fall is now documented forever. A day that I probably would have missed altogether, or just seen as another school day full of subjects and lessons, and obviously a nap for the tired mommy. :)

So glad God made children to explore and create and appreciate. It inspires me.

Then...on the same "236 picture download", there was another surprise!

I never blogged about Abby Kate's fall program! Surprise!! How could I forget about sharing my little owl with all of you! How sad!

Do they not just make you smile? That little sea of owl faces?

Can you tell which one is my little hoot-hoot owl...right in the middle!!

She did a great job (and was just as excited as last time about getting to be the center of attention for our little family.)

She had to show each one of us her work and we were not allowed to look away or miss any part!

Her big sister was SO proud of her and told her again and again how great she was doing.

I know, firsthand, how much an oldest sisters words can matter, for good and for bad. So, I told Kendyll later what powerful encouragement she is giving to her littlest sis. :) (Now, there are many days, we have the opposite conversation...about the words that discourage and tear down...one I also give because I know it firsthand.)

ANYWAY, that's another blog for another time!

Here she is with her sweet, oh-so-loved teacher, Mrs. Marla too.

And, sweet preschool friends. I mean, is there any cuter smile in the world than this one?!

But, my very favorite pictures were, again, ones I never knew were taken. Believe me, they are not my favorite because they are all of me. But, because they show the crazy similarities between me and my Katers. She looks the most like me of all three girls, and I knew that. But, to see us side by side...

doing the SAME thing with our hands...

And making the same expressions...

And just enjoying being together {with the same noses}, while we look through her journal pages...

These are all absolutely priceless to me!!

Apparently, Mark was in the mood to capture our moments, and I'm SO GLAD he did!

This is another few minutes in time that would have passed and I would not have known it was significant in any way.

But, it's these moments...right in the middle of every day life...that matter most. {By the way, I just re-read my last post as I was finishing this one. What is UP with me saying this again and again? I think the busyness of life is making this DEEP desire to "be still and know" come out more and more. That, and friends who have walked through deep loss lately, that brings me to my knees in sorrow...and gratitude...all at the same time. This is all reason for the repeated sappiness.}

ANYWAY. I am so glad my family thinks to capture pictures like these for me, and then leave them to be my surprise, right when I really needed it.