Admittedly, I let the holidays just slip away, barely posting any photos. I took a few...but just a few. I was in that place where I sometimes go.
Today I opened up my Lightroom catalog and began peering through the few images I did take during the holidays.
What I found made me smile and remember...
The cookie exchange party that was so incredibly beautiful.
I felt as if I had stepped into a Martha Stewart scene
and was invited to stay for lunch.
It was easy to remember the teenage boys who waited at our door, eager to devour those seven dozen cookies.
I remember how absolutely perfect I wanted this gift to be.
How I fretted and planned and worried about it more than all my other Christmas gifts combined.
I remember her grace and overwhelming gratitude...
that brought puddles of tears for both of us.
I remember my friend Leisa modeling her "Birthday in a Box" gift...how sweet is that!
I remember how this little one couldn't wait to meet Santa. Though just two years old, Olivia was brave and confident...she snuggled right up to the chubby old elf.
I remember when Henry and Santa looked into each other's eyes and loved what they saw.
Of course, the annual Children's nativity was an image not to be forgotten. Sweet little Piper played all the animals in the scene one by one. And Grandpa Owen just beamed with pride watching his great grandchildren reenact the familiar story.
Dorothy the puppy had a hard time waiting for Christmas...she kept finding her hidden present under the tree and couldn't help herself from playing with it. We eventually gave in and let the clever pooch have her gift early.
And then when she thought no one was looking...Olivia sneaked a treat for Sami dog.
These images of Christmas 2012 are priceless.
Twenty years from now, we are going to laugh uproariously at Chet's Beard-all.
We will likely remark at how much Henry looked like his Mama in those days
and giggle at all the candy Olivia consumed Christmas Eve.
But most of all these images of Christmas 2012 remind me that every single photo I take has a story to tell. Innocent, raw, emotional, joyous stories lay just ahead. And that's why I climb out of that place I sometimes go...and am instantly drawn to my camera.
Happy New Year to you all...may you have a wonderful and blessed 2013.
