Thursday, November 5, 2009

A Picture is Worth A . . .

You know how they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words?"
Don’t doubt it – it is so true!
Recently I was perusing some old photos looking for one of my Dad from his younger days when he was a railroad engineer. I found it among some others that I had scanned and put together in a little birthday video for him five or six years ago. One of the photos I found really made me smile. I’ve seen it before, but I had totally forgotten about it. Here it is – my Mom and Dad holding me and my twin sister [my Mom is holding me!]. Don’t they look so calm and happy?!


And really, how calm could it have been – they had twin baby girls, two boys that defined the word "terrors" aged almost 2 and 4 years old, and a six-year old girl! Plus, we were born in the middle of a hot summer and they moved 10 days after we got home from the hospital! Holy smokes – it had to be crazy busy! It’s such a sweet photo! I loved it as soon as I saw it. To see my Mom and Dad looking so young and happy warmed my heart.

So, here’s the lesson I learned – don’t forget to be present and actually be in some photos with your family. Moms especially seem to be busily getting everyone else’s picture and are often left out. I know I often try not to get in any photos as I think my hair looks squirrely or I look tired, don’t have any lipstick on or I want to lose 5 or 10 pounds before I get my picture taken.

But later, when the kids are grown, they will have forgotten what you (by you, I mean me, of course) even looked like in younger days! Quick – another lesson (two for one today, I guess), since nearly all photos are digital these days, be sure and actually print your photos!! They don’t bring back memories very well sitting on someone’s hard drive or a CD.

Alrighty then, must go put some lipstick on and get in some pictures! :)

20 comments:

Tutus and Choo-Choos said...

Your lessons today are so true. I am usually the one taking the pictures. Plus, I hate taking the time to go through all those pictures on my digital camera.

Take care,
Michelle

Lemonade Makin' Mama said...

I totally agree. I am always the photographer, but I've tried to be intentional about being IN a few too.

fleur de lis cottage said...

Great advise! I love this pic of your family!

Kam said...

What a great post! The picture is amazing and your mom is beautiful! What a treasure to have this! Yay for you! And thanks for sharing it!

Jodee said...

What a sweet picture! I can't even imagine having twins! They do look sooo calm too!

Farmgirl Paints said...

Cool post. Love that picture. My husband is usually the one missing. He misses all the fun while he's at work. All our pictures are usually me taking the shot with one of our heads cut off;)

Lucy said...

What a wonderful shot! I can see how you love it. I was #4 out of 6 and do you know that there's not one picture of me as a baby. The earliest pic of me is when I'm two or three...let alone a pic of my mom holding me! You can imagine how #6 feels in my family...BITTER! :) So I know how important these shots are. I'm so guilty of not wanting my photo taken but I do it anyway. I usually just don't share them but I have them and I'm happy about that. :)

Kim said...

That is awesome Janet! What a special picture for you. You should join in the 52 weeks challenge next week. I also agree about printing pictures too. Mason is 7 and we have not printed very many.

Have a great weekend!

Lisa said...

Amen! So very true! You are so right! I'm going to go put some lipstick on right now! : )

Your parents looks so cute! Love the photo!

Marla said...

Very good post and oh so true.

Ashton said...

So true. Especially taking note when you are in China...

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

I love this old photo Jan......thanks for sharing it with us!!

You are right, I am so guilty of not getting in the pictures for all of the same reasons!!

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.....I hear you are having some nice weather:)

Lisa

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

Hi Janet!
That is such good advice. We always are either behind the camera, or thinking about how bad our hair looks. This photo of your parents is so precious.

Also, I am stopping by to say that you've won my giveaway for the Minted stationery! I am so excited! When you get a minute, give me the email address that you want the company to use to get in touch with you. They will give you a coupon code for the cards so you can order online. Yippee for you!
Carrie

paige said...

ugh..i know...i hate to be in pics. but i've tried to loosen up on this one.
great post my dear with a valuable lesson too
xo

Anonymous said...

I love old photos! And you're completely right! I must print out some photos. They ARE all on my hard drive!

Bridget said...

Such true and good advise! Lucy and I were just looking at pictures and she kept asking,"where are you Mommy?" I had to say I was taking the picture:)

Love the photo!!! I must say I think you look like your mom - seriously! (I have seen you in a few pics:)It is amazing that they seem calm in a house full of little ones! I am the second of nine and often wonder how my parents were so happy and sweet.
Well thanks for your advice - will take it to heart!

Hope you had a great weekend - I think it was warm like here!

Have a good week!

~Bridget

Casey said...

What a wonderful photo!!! It is so true. I am never in photos... David either... and I know we need to be better about that one. Your parents look adorable. I would have looked like a mess. Your mom is so well put together too... I think I need to get out of my sweatpants. :)

Sylvia said...

Great post!!!!

Lovely family photo. Your parents DO look relaxed.

Jeanne Oliver said...

I love old photos and yes...they look so happy!!!

Jill and Rick said...

Janet, I've been thinking exactly the same thing. We need to get ourselves in some pics - for our kids for later if for no other reason.