Mom was a dedicated photo-album maker. All were carefully labeled, so one could glance at the cover and know exactly what was inside. Oh, such a trip down Memory Lane to put those albums in order and page through them! Christmas 2001, she had each of her sons and their families pose in front of the Christmas tree for a quick family picture. Ours is below...
Of course, Mom wasn't here this year to take an updated photo of each family. If she had, she probably would have commented on how we no longer fit in front of the tree! Here is our 2011 family photo, taken on Christmas day at my mom and dad's house.
Can you believe what a change ten years brought? From five members to sixteen. In 2001, I wouldn't have been able to imagine such a crowd; now I can't imagine it any other way. Each of the people in this photo are so precious to me. The picture wouldn't be complete without any one of those faces.
While sifting through Mom S's things, it became evident what was important to her: family, friends, and retaining memories. I couldn't help but wonder what people will discover about me when they sort through what I leave behind. Will the things my girls and grandchildren find in boxes and dresser drawers paint a set of footsteps worthy of following? I pray so.
Funny what a difference a decade makes... It just occurred to me that this was my 50th Christmas. Wow, how many faces will be crowded into the frame on my 100th Christmas? Hm...
May God bless you muchly as you journey with Him! ~Kim
Kim! What a wonderful Christmas you have had, judging by your very happy and gorgeous family. I know what you mean when you look around and realise just how much the family has grown in a decade! :) I thought exactly that, as I watched our young'uns racing around and having a great time with each other at my son's place on Christmas Day. Andy's beautifully manicured back lawn, suddenly became transformed into a cricket pitch/ soccer pitch/golf links/grand prix track for the bikes..you name it! What a wonderful time they had and what treasured memories to look back on,when they look at the photos sometime.
ReplyDeleteI am sure my kids will think I am a "hoarder." I can see my girls shudder when they sift through my possessions after I am gone.:) I have two camphor wood chests full of their art work and treasures that they made. Such painstaking love went into those Mother's and Father's Day presents. How could I throw them away!?...Now the Grandchildren's art work is in there too! These are things I really do treasure and they are irreplaceable. Each piece is very individualistic pertaining to each of their traits and they have carved their initials into their handiwork :)
I think I might be "pushing up daisies" when you celebrate your 100th Christmas?? Sooo enjoy!!:)
Happy new year to you all! :)
Cheers,
Rosie
It is crazy how much happens in ten years. Or twenty. Yikes! Thanks for sharing your Christmas pictures with us. Blessings to you in the New Year, Kim.
ReplyDeleteRosie, it sounds as if you had a CHRISTmas extravaganza! Makes me sorry I missed it. :o)
ReplyDeleteDebbie, blessings to you too, my friend!
What a sweet post today, Kim....LOVE those photos you shared--and oh my! Your family is filled with lots of "little" blessings*grin* (yes, I'll admit it---I cannot wait to be a Gramma!). ~ Thanks for being such an amazing author and a sweet, special friend (not to mention fellow cat-lover *wink*). Hugs, Patti Jo :)
ReplyDeletep.s.@Rosie--WOW! Your action-filled Christmas sounded fun! :)
Thanks for popping by, Patti Jo. I have a strong suspicion you will be a WONDERFUL gramma one day. :o)
ReplyDelete