Sunday, January 14, 2007

Basically...

This is how I look most of the time. Chip thinks that I take entirely too many photos. They are not all good, that is part of the reason that I have to take so many. The other reason is that I have learned from experience that I will always want more. I don't believe there is such a thing as too many pictures. You don't have to print them all (now that we have digital cameras), you don't have to even look at them all if you don't want to, but they are there if you ever need them.
I pulled out some discs and looked back at my kids a year ago. (Yes, I burn my photos to cd's on a monthly basis. Sometimes more...) I couldn't believe that I took so many photos. And I couldn't believe how they had changed so much. My own kids! I mean, really, you'd think I'd know this- I live with them, right?! Yet, it was all in front of me...they have changed and grown and we have different beds (no more cribs in my house!!) and life has passed us by since then. We've made lots of memories in a year. I am glad to have caught so many in picture form. One day maybe Chip will thank me. =)
The real point of all of this is that I plugged my camera in to recharge the battery two days ago, and I haven't snapped a photo for 48 hours now. It's like I'm in detox...I have this feeling that I have missed something big.
Actually, we had some friends over for dinner tonight and I should have taken pictures. Chip did the cooking (his famous ribs-yum! and that Chocolate Bread Pudding with spiced whipped cream- double yum!) and we had a nice time. It has been a mellow couple of days around here (love that!) and I just kicked back with the kids (playdough all afternoon yesterday) and didn't even feel pressure to blog. I guess I do have a life outside of Nitty.Gritty.
Anyway, just had to remind [myself &] you that life passes us by. Enjoy the downtime. Enjoy the everyday. Tell someone you love them- for doing stuff that they do for you all the time. Sometimes those are the things we forget about. I love when Chip is home- to cook, to play with the kids, to help with the baths. He doesn't realize that it's a big deal to me and the kids. But it is. We like it when he's around. =)
So, basically I just wanted to say take pictures. Even if they aren't that spectacular or special. One day you will look back on them and thank yourself. Love your life this moment, because this moment will be gone in a minute. (I know...that's really profound!) Love someone and tell them so- just for being who they are to you in your life. You would miss them if they were gone. And then look at your own self (you don't have to literally look at yourself) and love who you are at this moment. And then seek to become even better somehow. There's always more to love.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I didn't realize how in Nitty.Gritty withdrawl I was until I logged on tonite :)

First, thank you for the reminder to back up those photos. I have a few years worth I should do.

Secondly, thank you for reminding us to appreciate the small things in life more!

Anonymous said...

I'm gonna do that right now... take a picture of my daughter with her lap Mac and my hubby sitting in front of the woodstove talking... cuz our heater went out last night and we are cold!
I would have missed that moment had it not been for your post. Thanks Jody for the reminder!

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your posts and story for about 2 weeks now. I am finally caught up. I recently created my own blog! I just wanted you to know your story has touched my life! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I love your blog, Jody. You have such an amazing story! Thank you for your honesty and willingness to share your life with those of us in the world of blogging.
I just wanted to chime in on how I take TONS of pictures, as well. It's the beauty of digital. Today, alone, my husband and I took nearly 50 pictures! That never would have happened with a film camera! I think what I like best about using digital is that some of the "mess-ups" turn out to be some of my favorites. I also love photographing the process of getting "that perfect picture."

Jana said...

Thanks for the awesome reminder. You're SOOOOO right!!

Anonymous said...

I think it's true about what you say about looking back and noticing how much has changed. It's hard to see them when you see them gradually day in and day out, but looking back at a photo from maybe 3 years ago and it's like wow! What a great post and a wonderful reminder. Thank you and I hope you have a blessed day.

Anonymous said...

Jody,

Thanks for your post. It encouraged and comforted me when I needed it most today.

Anonymous said...

I don't believe anyone could take to many pictures. We have a niece that will be 6 months on the 20th and We have taken over 500 pictures of her. I can't help myself!! We have her every Saturday and I have to get pictures every Saturday. Crazy Aunt She won't know me by name she'll say there is that crazy lady with the camera AGAIN !!:)