Let's Take Pictures All Day Long

If you're my friend on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, you probably think all I did today was take pictures of our two youngest daughters.  You may or may not be correct.  It's been an emotional time for me with our cousin (more like our brother) getting married to his beautiful bride, lots of quality time with family from all over the continent, and the anticipation of (and preparation for) Jesus's birthday next week.  With this year coming to an end in a few, short weeks - I'm starting to get all sentimental (once again) about our girls. Time just won't slow down for me - no matter how adamantly I insist that she does.

Those of you who have met Isabella know that she has quite the demeanor.

I like to say that she has a sparkling personality.

One might also call her loud, exuberant, and sassy.

Isabella spent nearly an hour cooking and doing a fashion show for me while I attempted to catch up on e-mails, etc. and fold our never-ending loads of laundry.  Since I had my phone (Happy Birthday to me from The Husband) by my side, I freely took a bazillion pictures:

Her little sister immediately followed suit.  Evangeline turned two last month, and it's not making me excited - at all.  She has now discovered the words mine and no and uses them freely much to my dismay.  I'm always amazed when our girls learn to talk and start to communicate - not so much when they do so in defiance or disobedience.  

Here's a fun little tidbit for you to look back on Miss Evangeline:

We made an impromptu visit to Lolo and Lola's house tonight while your daddy took Espy and Gianna to a youth event.  You decided it was a good idea to snatch a chip out of your sister's bowl.  When I told you to give it back, you thought you should smack that bowl and every chip out of it.  You were reprimanded and had to sit in my lap until you apologized to Isabella.  Your Lola tried to rescue you, but you wouldn't have it.  At the same time, you struggled between apologizing to your sister and standing your ground with the bowl-smacking.  Eventually (after many tears and "No, Mommy!"s) you said, "Sorry, Bella," and she forgave you in her sassy way.  Don't you worry, I corrected her  phrasing and tone - and everyone was happy at the end of the 12-minute ordeal.

To my 2 and 4 year olds, you may slow down with the growing up thing any time you'd like.

I Corinthians 13 - a Christmas Version

Photo by: D Sharon Pruitt

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls - but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime - but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity - but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata - but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.  Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.  Love is kind, though harried and tired.  Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.  Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.  Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails.  Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust - but giving the gift of love will endure.

(source unknown)

The Original