Sometimes when I’m feeling down about my mommy-life, I look through pictures of my kids. Meanwhile they’re right outside the door, screaming and trying to get my attention. You would think I just need to go and look at the actual kid itself. But pictures calm me. Perhaps because they are still and quiet. Their smiles permanent, and no one is talking back to me.
If I’ve had a rough day with them I almost always go in their rooms at night and watch them sleep for a little bit. I remember when they were born and I held them for the first time. I pray for them. I dream for them. I remember how very precious they are. I try to take a mental picture so I can think of this moment the next day when we’re struggling again. I love to see them at peace and at rest.
Its been one of those weeks when its a bit harder to be positive and patient in the midst of the chaos and defiance.
Here is why I do it. Here are my babies. I love them so.
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Beautiful kids! I love them, too. 🙂
They miss you and the kids. Ian tells me everyday that you are sending him pictures of crocodiles.
Beautifully written. Thanks Heather…. for the reminder to take quiet moments with my kids to remember just how much I love them. Sleeping time is always the best.
Thanks Aimee. We miss you!
Beautiful kids, amazing photos. Photos are that step back that’s sometimes needed, to see the cuteness and innocence.
Thanks Heidi. The innocence is so much harder to see when they can talk back.
Oh, absolutely. I’m currently enjoying fun with tween hormones. Be warned. You might want to keep something with baby smell wrapped up in plastic to later remind you of a time when they couldn’t talk back..
I can’t even bear to think about it!
Beautifully written! Thank God for sleeping children. Not only for the break but also for how sweet and calm and precious they look while sleeping and the power that image has to completely erase the troubles of the day no matter how trying it was. Thank for the reminder to remind myself of why I do this too!
We have had a rough week too. I needed this encouragement and reminder of why I do this. Good idea to look at photo albums!
I’m an older mom and my kids are all growing up and soon to be leaving the nest. But I find myself looking at pictures of them when they were small like yours. I also comfort myself with memories of them when they were innocent and so desperately “needed” me! ha! As you might guess, needing me now is not high on their list–unless it’s to cook for them. 🙂 Hang in there and enjoy those needy children. You will wish for these days back some day, SAHM. Great post!
Oh yeah, I’m with you. My kids look to be about the same ages as yours, and it’s such a challenging time with very little peace during the day! Time out to enjoy them without the tough bits is essential! I hope today is a very good day 🙂
I do the same thing, I show my hubby pictures I have taken that day, or a video. Sometimes I watch the video a few times, it makes my heart happy! It definitely helps to calm down and put things into perspective!
Beautiful pics! As a mum of teens, my advice is to take lots of photos. And breathe! 🙂
Gorgeous kids 🙂 I do the same thing, and I go right back to my son’s birth pics, as he was in NICU and SCU for 3 weeks. It makes me appreciate him so much more.
Yup. Seeing your children helps put things in perspective. Especially when they’re as cute as yours 🙂 x
I hear you. I’ve been known to hide in the bathroom to escape the wonder that is my kids. We all have days like this – and we all look at them at the end of the day and wish we’d been more patient, more tolerant, more fun. Oh well, tomorrow is another day. In the meantime, let the pictures perform their calming magic.
Oh, and they are BEAUTIFUL.
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