A few months ago I was invited to guest post over at the new TOFW blog. It was a huge honor and I was thankful for the opportunity to reflect on my role as a mother and to share a few of my thoughts. My little simple things project came up, so I wanted to share this post with you today. As we come up on one year of {the simple things} I have been thinking a lot about how thankful I am for this weekly photo project…and here’s why.
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As a mother of four ranging in ages from nine years to twenty months, I sometimes catch myself looking ahead with a dreamy kind of look on my face, to the day when the children are older and can do a few more things for themselves. Days that don’t involve poopy diapers, toys strewn all over the living room or sticky dining room chairs.
I have to stop myself in my tracks when I find these thoughts creeping up on me and remind myself that in wishing away the toddler tantrums and the messy house, I’m inadvertently wishing away this precious time with my children that I treasure so much. Being a mother is what I’ve always wanted to be and the joy I get from spending my days with my children is such a blessing in my life.
Why then, can it be so difficult to focus on this perspective on a daily basis? Raising children is not all bubblegum and icecream and involves taking the good times along with the challenging ones. Finding ways to focus on the the simple joys and everyday moments that my children and I share and the memories we are making, has helped me to find more patience and joy in motherhood.
With my camera in hand, I love to capture not only the milestone moments in my children’s lives but the everyday, silly little details that make our story unique. I’ve actually made it a goal each week to photograph one simple joy or simple moment that put a smile on my face. What started out as a fun idea for a photo project has turned into so much more. Looking for and capturing this weekly photo has helped me be more aware of the blessings that surround me each day and in turn has helped me to better appreciate the stage in life I’m at right now.
As I learn to appreciate my life as it is right now, I’m so thankful for gentle reminders to slow down and enjoy life’s moments as they happen. As I read my scriptures, pray for added patience and take photos that capture the simple things that make my life beautiful, I find more appreciation in the everyday.
Rebecca Cooper is a 42-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.
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I keep saying I am going to join in on the simple things pictures, but that would require me having knowledge of computer stuff! Do I have to send the picture to you or do I put it on my blog?
Beautiful thoughts Rebecca! I’ve really been trying to remind myself of this same fact lately…how precious this time is with these sweet little children. They really grow too fast! I’ve loved the simple things challenge to help remind me to capture all the little moments with my family. Thanks for helping me do that 🙂
That is soooo true! I used to really find myself looking into the future at what we can do ‘then’ when the girls are older…the places we can go etc.
However, lately I have found myself lately looking back…Weird how all that mess, and craziness can be looked back on and remembered as some of the fondest times. 🙂
What a beautiful post! Just the other day I was having one of those not so “bubble gum and ice cream” days. You are so right, there are definitely good days and bad. But we truly need to embrace all of the moments, good and bad and not wish anything away! It already goes to fast!
Beautiful post – love the darling photos and that quote is awesome!
Lovely post..I have been having similar thoughts of enjoying and cherishing the lovely moments in life with family and friends and your post sure inspires me to enjoy and be thankful for each day:)..TFS
Your post was a healthy (and God-sent) reminder to me! THANK YOU!!! And I think I’m gonna try and join you with your weekly photo project!!! It’s just what I need in my current stage of life.
It is so cliche, but oh so true how fast the children grow up! My oldest is 13 and my youngest is six. I never could even imagine my oldest turning two when I first had him. When I go back home (from where I am living now), I still absentmindedly look at all the moms with young kids because I half expect to know them and then I have to remind myself that my friends no longer have little, little ones. It’s a challenge to live in the present and appreciate the difficult with the adorable. Even though my kids can do a lot more for themselves, they are still challenging but in a whole new way I am learning about as we go. But photos and opportunities to reflect on those photos and memories, really help remind me that I do have a good life and I am blessed. And often inspire me to work on being a better person and a better mom because in this new parenting territory, I don’t always feel like a ‘good mom’ as I once did.