I needed a little pick me up the other day and so for a little break I went digging in some older photo folders (I have them in 2 different spots on our server.) Whatever lack of inspiration I was feeling I found in just a little bit of photo therapy.
It’s like opening a box of treasures in the attic just uncovered, wondering what goodies are inside. I’m a little odd that way, but it doesn’t cost anything and it’s a personal reward that doesn’t involve empty calories, which for me is a great thing, even though I sure like empty calories too.
I was so reminded how looking at photos is one of the best therapies { in this world .} and I know I have said that before, but each time it seems like such a discovery.
It doesn’t add pounds, doesn’t involve drugs, doesn’t separate marriages, doesn’t break the law AND even better, it doesn’t break the bank (unless that involves printing every photo you love, which I would love to do.) The one condition that it requires, is that you actually TAKE PICTURES, which thank goodness I have that disease.
After taking pictures and scrapbooking with kids for over 10 years, I have come to realize that January and February are always months of fewer photos, which is totally ok. It’s winter, we’re inside more which makes the normal photo a bit more challenging and I’m usually tired of my camera after the holidays. But one thing I notice of the pictures I do have, they are some of my favorite everyday shots of the year.
I remember this day as if it was yesterday, 5 years ago. Call me sappy Mom, but I pulled this exact sweater out of McKinley’s closet today for her to wear to school and you can bet that I will be trying to get her photo later today so I can just enjoy for me, for 1o years down the road when these little precious faces are not so little.
Grandma gave her this doll because she thought it looked like Delaney. We are not really in to dolls anymore, but we still have this doll. But we are still in to pink and ribbons, both of which someone wore to school today. I’m glad some things remain.
and I think we will always be in to cookies and sprinkles and Valentine’s Day parties.
God forgive me for sneaking in this photo before snack at McKinley’s pre-school party. I’ve only taken a photo 2 times during a prayer and this is one and it was so worth it.
Love the look on her face here. Not sure who this friend was, but I’m thinking she’s guarding her candy, which makes me laugh. I miss that look, she was always a little spunky.
I love that this photo is Delaney and one of her friends in the SAME classroom that McKinley is in today. Same teacher in the same First Grade. I think I will probably have to visit the first grade party later today maybe, now that I think about it.
They look so little and so sweet. I might also just have to pop in at the 5th grade party too, although (gasp) I’m sure that’s not cool, but I might just do it anyway. Note: I was excited last night that our big 10 year old wanted my homemade popcorn balls for her whole class today. It must still be cool to bring treats to school on a whim. While it took a bit to make 55 homemade pink popcorn balls last night, it was worth it. I’m sure the day is coming soon that I won’t get to be a part of these special days at school any longer.
Ok, so she’s still a DORK! somethings never change….lol.
BTW, I didn’t take any time to fix the colors or alter these photos in any way. I didn’t even resize or nothing special and it was a little hard to do, but I’m just grabbing and sharing them just as they are…for the content and the memories, nothing more. Ok, honestly, that was HARD to do.
So… I’m going to try, try being the operative word here, on Fridays to flashback in my photo archives… and reflect… and cry a little… and reflect some more… and grow… from just a few moments of looking back. Because I have discovered that doing so, gives me a fresher perspective for moving forwarding and living today. It helps give me clarity and often a better sense of what matters and that is a boost that I need and want.
Maybe you can join me? and we can reflect and document and grow together. If you do, please share a link here or send me a note.
I like your idea. I sometimes like to look back at older photos too. Especially ones from my childhood friends with whom I no longer have any contact with. My kids are still little but I also like to look at pictures of when they were babies. I didn’t realize that McKinley and my oldest daughter were in the same grade. My kids are also having their valentines party today, but I can’t go (would have to drag two other kids along). If you do go and snap a few pictures of their party please share with us. You take such beautiful pictures.
Danelle, I get what you mean.
I too, often go back and look at photos
and it makes me all nostalgic and missing
those tinier younger days. My girls are similar in age
to yours (8 & 10)…I know how fast it goes.
it’s so sad!! I also wish I could print EVERY SINGLE PHOTO!
I am going to do some review books though like you have done and try to get ALOT into them! you are such an inspiration to mE!
love, tara
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