A little photo shoot

I always love a good picture of our girls. There is a story with every picture. It's never a simple pose, no matter how beautifully still they look.

I keep my shutter speed cranked up as high as I can to capture their quick movements.

I take at least three shots of every scene, because they blink. They sneeze. They have a melt down in less than a second.

Sometimes, I have to give direction. Most of the time, they are running free. Excited in the moment. Encouraging the other to look at Mommy's camera. Holding hands, just because they really, deep in their hearts, love each other.

My hardest part? Getting them dressed and praying they don't spill their orange juice across the front of that beautiful dress.

Holding them tight as we walk across the field so they don't trip and dirty up their tights.

Remembering the lollipops. Because that's how we keep hairbows on the head & the dress clothes from getting muddy.

Picking out the final prints. Which ones are going on my walls? Which ones are going in the mail to family & friends? Which ones am I posting to the blog? To Facebook?



That picture you just saw - All on their own. All I did was sit them next to each other. I didn't even ask them to find Mommy's camera. I just sat there and waited. And boy, did my heart melt! This is natural to them! To love & hug on each other! When there are days they can't share, can't stop being bossy, can't stop crying - I will see this picture and remember what's really in their hearts. It may be just a bad day, but the love is there. Filled in this house & beginning with God. We love because He first love us. And these girls really, deep in their hearts, love each other.

Madeline wasn't in the mood for many pictures today. She had a double ear infection and although she seemed to be feeling much better & fever free, she just wanted to be in her comfy pj's and in bed. She was walking towards me, arms stretched out, "Mommy! Hold me!!" I said, "Madeline, who's girl are you?" Which is her favorite question... "DADDY!!" I had my camrea in place, waiting just for that moment. She glows when she talks about her Daddy!


Is she not a doll?? My growing girl, too fast. She takes a break from exploring the "beautiful flowers" and looks at me. Her hands find each other and I say, "Isabelle, can you show me your pretty smile?" She tilts her head, as far as it goes. Something she does when smiling for pictures. One of the sweetest things I see her do! I hope she never grows out of tilting her head when smiling. But I know one day, it's coming. And I'm thankful I got this shot. When she's grown up and lifts her chin & slightly tilts her head for pictures, I will remember this day. And probably cry my eyes out, because that's just what I do.

These moments, I'm so thankful for. I feel full of love today. Overflowing love.