How many times have you seen the eyes roll and hear the groans of your kids when you say just one more picture! Just ask my kids; they will nod their heads in agreement AND simultaneously thank me for the pictures I have taken to remind them of wonderful memories. It is frustrating at the time and likely a bit of a messy storm organizing the family for the picture, sweating in the heat while you wait for the perfect moment while the kids play, or the potential of disagreements, you know what I am talking about! Simply put, capturing the moment is time well spent.

I look back on memories, and they flood me with the goodness of God. The moments he has provided through friendships enjoyed, vacations, events and once-in-a-lifetime family adventures! I know it is hard to manage armfuls of kids, a camera and your sanity, but today more than ever, we have the opportunity to create memories for years to come that will genuinely become gifts beyond words. So, today during this lockdown we have again found opportunities to capture gratitude through the camera lens.

This one was taken in a very crazy moment just after we got home from church. I knew it was time to grab a family picture. Katie was so little and we were all in well, not jammies! I set up my Nikon on the tripod and timer. It took three shots and now it hangs in our room as a precious memory of that time in our lives.  I almost let it go. Directing 6 others to get on the bed and smile was a rather huge accomplishment. But it happened and I look back on that moment and laugh, smile and remember the effort involved!

Dolphin adventures and sunsets that seem to last but a moment are memories I am so grateful to have in the archives. I had a zoom lens and sat in the perfect position while dad took care of the girls so I could capture the boys having a moment to remember with the most wonderful aquatic beauties! The sunset with my youngest is thanks also to dad for capturing us on a warm, summer sunset. It takes more than one to gather memories! My FIL recently passed on an older camera (two actually) that he is not using anymore. To Katie’s delight she now has her own camera to create memories just for her! She is so excited!  You don’t need to be a professional, just willing to stop and click.

I am thankful for the archives I have to look back on with gratitude. What are your favourite pictures?