I struggled narrowing down a picture of the little man to post for this week’s photo challenge for I Heart Faces. I’ll have to admit, I got a little choked up looking back through his first few days.
There were some great pictures – but not enough. I would have loved to spend more time with the camera doing photo sessions with him back then, but man – when you are in the throngs of newborn-daze, you are blessed to just be showered and fed… much less able to spend time clicking pictures.
I can remember months that went by with me relying solely on my iPhone camera. Tsk!
Shame on me.
Not long ago, I made a little book of the baby’s first year – and it was sad that most of the better shots are from more recently – since life has “slowed down” a bit.
I laugh today at that statement.
Because…Well…
Life really isn’t slowing down. I’m just realizing, one missed deadline at a time, that there are things that must be let go. Maybe life was slower back “then” because “they” figured that out, too?
There are important things. And there’s everything else.
What are your important things – the things you always try to fit in to each and every day?
Mine:
1. Spending time in the Word, whispering prayers as I go about my day, thanking Him for each flicker of a blessing (because we all know they are hidden amongst the craziness of daily life at home)…
2. Nourishment of body and soul. Relationships cherished. Full bellies. Nursed babies, happy-helping tweens learning to bake and cook and feed a family along side mama. Trying my hand at economic shopping and keeping a menu. Holding hands.
3. Clean house, happy daddy. He loves a clean house. Laundry always in a moving dance from hamper to drawer and back again. Watching God help us keep order in the chaos – impossible feat.
4. Rest and REFRESH. Slowing down to hug and hold, kiss and smile, smell the flowers… enjoy the fleeting moments. Carving a little ME time out to bless mama. Trying to get in bed at a decent hour so that the next day can be fresh.
5. Creating and connecting. Reading, learning, drawing, cooking, making, discussing, sharing our talents and lives together.
You’ll notice that blogging isn’t on the list. After five years this month of blogging, I can honestly say that my heart knew it needed to step a notch down so that it wasn’t always in those top 5. Some lessons are learned the hard way… at the expense of a lot of “shoulda-coulda-woulda’s”.
Simplified times call for simple lists. Is there something you need to push down a few numbers?
What are your top 5?
I also noticed that you only have four things, not five. Was that intentional?
Love those eyes! He is precious! Just posted our sweet little girls pic on iheartfaces, and your pic was close to mine. So sweet!
I'd like to see you number 4 too.
How funny. It was unintentional. BUT…
4. Rest. Slowing down to hug and hold, kiss and smile, smell the flowers… enjoy the fleeting moments. Trying to get in bed at a decent hour so that the next day can be fresh.
I'll add it to the list! Thanks!
Such a perfect picture… in every way. Love it!
I'm guilty of using my iPhone camera so much lately. I should just transfer my purse items in my Nikon bag… I don't grab my Nikon for fear something may happen to it while carting it in my purse.
Hm, this is a good question ~ And one I don't have an answer for.
I can name a few~ Prayer, keeping the house in order, engaging in learning activities with my girls… Advocating for Compassion International is important to me as well.
He is so handsome. I think he must be an old soul because those eyes look so wise! What a beauty. My son is 6 months old. There is something to be said about the bond between Mommy & son. Hard to explain, but it is just different. Rambling here. Sorry. I love your photo!!
Hi Heather,
I have been following you for quite some time (back when you first started blogging how to's for KONOS). You have been an inspiration as I have entered the blogging world.
Today's post inspired one on my own blog so I wanted to say THANK YOU again!I also linked your blog.
Mmmm… good food for thought. For me –
1. My relationship with the Lord. I feel this has been greatly strengthened the past 5 months – I've grown to know the character of God on a much greater level – I'm reading through the Bible for the 2nd time since January and it's RICH.
2. My relationship with my hubby. So thankful for him – after nearly 18 years of marriage, our love has grown and grown – plus we never imagined He would bless us with 7 children!
3. My relationship with aforementioned children. What a joy they are. Filling my days with nurturing, training, teaching and just enjoying them.
4. Our ministry with Wycliffe. With 350 million people around the world without a Bible in their own language, our passion is to help accelerate that process and to share with others what God is doing.
5. Making our home a haven for all who enter it. It's never spotless (9 in a house?! Good luck on THAT one!) – but I always want it be welcoming, inviting, and a place where Christ is seen.
Thanks for making me think, Heather! Now back to focusing on #1-5….
ToliversToTexas.blogspot.com
Hi Sprittibee,
You used to have your baby developing while you where pregnant in a 3D widget. It was very nice and I can´t find it.
My niece is 4 months pregnant and I am making a blog for her. I would like to include that widget. I think she would love it.
Can you please tell me where to find it.
Thank you
xoxoxox
Maria
I agree that sometimes God shows us a thing or two we can step down a notch, or either say goodbye to completely for a season. When my 2nd child was born, I reservedly let go of my online business for 2 years..and now looking back I see it was for my best. New things are on the horizon! Your children are prescious! I love your blog 🙂