Tuesday, March 16, 2010

65 photos....



When I got home from work this morning, I found my EMPTY camera case on the dining room table. When I asked Eric where it was, he told me that the camera was by the kitchen sink.




WHAT?????




I found the camera by the sink....and proceeded to go through the photos on it. Allison has discovered how to take a photo and she thinks that the camera is just as much her's to use as it is mine. Um....no way, kiddo. But, apparently, daddy was preoccupied with another task and Allison went to town, snapping up photos of our home.




But not pretty photos, but pics that a 4yo would love to see...her toy area, the kitchen trash can, the pile of laundry that needs to be put away in mom and dad's room....




and her left hand.




Yes, her left hand. When asked why there we so many pics of her hand, Allison let me know that she took pictures of her hand so I would know what her hand looked like while she was at school. Yes, sweetie. Momma often forgets what your sweet, chubby hand looks like for the 2.5hrs that you are gone in the morning....3 days a week. NOT!!!!!




Allison is a right-handed photographer. And she loves self portraits.



Here are a few, for posterity's sake.




And then Daddy said..."here, let's get a picture of YOU. Apparently, he hadn't checked the photos already taken.








Random kiddo photos....











Just because I haven't posted some pics of the monkeys....




Thursday, March 4, 2010

Servant




Last night, as I was getting all of the girls in bed, I was feeling sorry for myself. I was doing all of the work. Eric stepped in for prayers (he had just gotten home from work a few minutes before). But I was the one that did the baths, checked homework, did the snuggles, got the umpteen cups of water....

And I felt a little put-upon. But then I had to remember that this is what I had always wanted. This was my life as a momma. My husband is a wonderful father. He is a good hubby to me. But his focus is on the outside of the house (work, etc.). But, even while I am at work, my heart and mind are here...in this house....on this family.


I realized that that is the way it is for me. That is the way that I wanted it. And I wouldn't change a thing. Except maybe a little bit more "Ami" time. Just a little.


Then, this morning, an online "friend" Stephanie Howell posted this and it spoke to me. So I am sharing it.


An essay by Roy Lessin


A woman once fretted over the usefulnesss of her life. She was fearful she was wasting her potential being a devoted wife and mother. She wondered if the time and energy she invested in her husband and children would make a difference.


At times she got discouraged because so much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated.


"Is it worth it?" she often wondered.


"Is there something better that I could be doing with my time?"


It was during one of those moments of questioning that she heard the still small voice of her Heavenly Father speak to her heart.


You are a wife and mother because that is what I have called you to be. Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye. But I notice.


Most of what you give is done without remuneration. But I am your reward.


Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support. Your influence upon him is greater than you think and more powerful than you will ever know. I bless him through your service and honor him through your love.


Your children are precious to Me. Even more precious than they are to you. I have entrusted them to your care to raise for Me. What you invest in them is an offering to Me.


You may never be in the public spotlight. But your obedience shines as a bright light before Me. Continue on. Remember you are My servant. Do all to please Me.