Monday, September 8, 2008

The Rest of the Story

"There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord." 1 Corinthians 12:4-5

Just as Paul Harvey has dug deep for the rest of the story since World War II, so too do bloggers seek to reveal the "rest of the story" as life swirls about us.

Last weekend, while at the beach I proclaimed that one evening we would be going to the beach, dressed for the occasion and that Mommy would be getting some summertime pictures to get us through the dreary days of winter. Not meeting with the usual groans and eye-rolling, I felt this was the beginning of a successful endeavor.

And so, after a day filled with sand in our suits and surf on our faces, we retreated to clean up and ultimately land ourselves back on the very same rocks to capture the magic. When we arrived we were among literally thirty to forty others seeking that very same magic for their families. There were grandparents with grandchildren, babies crying, newly engaged couples, small families, big families, most easily distinguished by the tell-tale matching shirts and short sets.

We settled into our little spot, happy...comfy as Hannah put it. Emily is usually my muse, posing, laughing, playing. She enjoys the camera and loves to mug for it. This was not so from her two year old birthday until sometime after she was three, but as suspected her fear of the lens was conquered and now, she is a most willing subject.







Nice people stopped and admired our little family. We stopped and admired other families and at the beginning all went as planned. Now, I am not a great photographer. I am not ashamed to admit this and know that now, I will probably need to join a little blogging help group, "Hello, my name is Heather and I have very few great shots to post on my blog..." But, my ambition was in high gear and our first pics were really quite acceptable to me.

We got a good family shot, which I would have loved were it not for the little woman growing out of Rob's shoulder



Hannah was particularly compliant (after several lollypops and a big fat dinner) for a feisty two year old.







Remarkably, the girls even enjoyed one another, sitting together without the usual, "she's touching meeeeeeeeeeee" and Hannah pulling on Emily begging her to walk with her.







The sun was setting...it was beautiful. The waves lapped quietly up onto the beach, so inviting - and this is where the story takes a bit of an unexpected turn...There were five or six families behind us as the girls ran into the water to frolic. Em was loving life. Hannah loved it until she realized the three tiers of her dress were very heavy when wet. As she emerged from the sea, disgruntled and slightly miffed that the water would have the nerve to make her wet, she shouted, "Hannah, dress OFF!" To which we responded, "No, Hannah dress ON." I assure you, I turned my back for one brief second to get my lens cap on, when I hear uproarious laughter. Emily and all five families broke into hysterics as we viewed this



The picture is considerably blurry because I had to scramble to catch the moment before capturing her and dropping her back into her soggy dress:) Hannah has the gift of tenacity and apparently, the beautiful gift of humor. Several of the families thanked us, admitting it is the best picture they have gotten of their kids in years.

Hannah will begin preschool this week, she is in a tiny class of playgroup students one morning a week. Emily began in this same class, what seems like yesterday. There was a parent meeting this morning and her teacher was bright and bushy-tailed citing "what a fun year this will be". Oh, Mrs. Miller, you don't know the half of it!!

And that folks, is the rest of the story:)

22 comments:

Adele said...

That is hilarious! How funny that got that dress off that quick. LOL.
You say you are not a photographer but I beg to differ. These photos of your children are so beautiful. You did a fantastic job. They are so pretty in their white dresses. I love the family photo too.
Simply stunning.

Don and Lisa Osborn said...

Heather, Heather, Heather,

You ARE selling yourself a tad bit short my friend. I think you are a GREAT photographer because you catch the real stuff life is made of. Of course I whine all the time that I'm not good at capturing Lindy and I don't know what I'm doing so I'll be in your support group for sure.

The rest of the story was even better than the beginning.

Thanks for sharing these oh so beautiful pictures of your perfect weekend down the shore. You are blessed...

Love you,
Lis

Kate said...

I have to admit....your little streaker just might be my favorite picture of all time. She does look very pleased with herself, doesn't she???

These pictures are lovely...and I was wondering if it would be possible to photoshop out the woman in your family picutre??? It is a great photo!!!

Thanks for sharing the last days of summer with us!!!

Godspeed to Mrs. Miller....and God bless her.......

Kate

Michelle R Photography said...

Heather,
Your photos ARE beautiful!!! Your beautiful subjects are, of course, but so is your photography. What a funny story and I love the "dress OFF" picture. ;-)

If you want to email me the photo, I think I should be able to get that little woman out of it. It looks like an excellent Christmas card photo. I will email you my address.

Michelle R Photography said...

Hello again,
I just emailed you. If you don't get it, please check your spam. There is an attachment.

Thanks!!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

What a cute story....and you got some amazing photos, they are beautiful....but by far the last one takes the cake!!

So glad you were able to capture it on film!

You will certainly have memories to last you through the winter season!

Have a great week!

Lisa

missy said...

Heather,

I am with all of the other fellow commenters...you are an excellent photographer and you have inspired me to take some new beach shots next year at sunset.

I love the dreamy effect that these photos have.

I am cracking up at how funny little Miss Sunshine is outta' that dress in no time flat! Gotta love that girl : )

I must know, what beach did you visit? I love the rocks.

Hugs!

Gwen Oatsvall said...

is Hannah's dress from the Gap ... it looks just like the one my Emily wore in the wedding she was in ...

The pictures are amazing because they are of your family !!! i will join whatever group you form in regards to lousy pictures ... i can't take a good one to save my life ... i laughed so hard at the woman over your hubby's shoulder ... that happens to me 80% of the time ...

looks like so much fun !!!! your girls are beautiful !!!!

Danielle Moss said...

These are beautiful! If you want to email me the photo with the woman behind Rob, I can edit her out for you. :)

Sharon Sloan said...

Absolutely beautiful! And I am sure those little women can be air brushed out or something...seems like Danielle can help! :)

How funny that she took the dress off! That's a keeper of a moment.

You are blessed your girls will happily "work with" the camera!

Love your gorgeous family!
Sharon

2China4Ayla said...

I ALWAYS love reading the words you express about your girls. The love in every sentence is so evident. Hannah cracks me up and Emily inspires me. What joys! Thanks for sharing them with me!

MacMui Mom said...

Heather-

You are an amazing photographer who really captures the essence of your children! Don't sell yourself short!

Hannah is definitely one of spicy Chinese girls with a bit of a strong will. All you can do is laugh and savor the joy. The picture will bring great memories and more than a few laughs for years to come!

Hugs,

Lisa R

Jodee said...

These pictures are absolutely beautiful! I especially love the family picture!

3 Peanuts said...

Oh they are beautiful and I love the story!!! Will did that one year too but he was COMPLETELY naked! So CUTE!

Linette said...

Oh Heather...that is so funny! This post just cracked me up. I think the pictures you got are great! And you ARE a great photographer. :) That last picture of Hannah is the cutest thing I've ever seen!!!

Beth said...

Beautiful Photos Heather! I love Emily's rosy cheeks and Hannah's story is hilarious. Who knew two yr. olds were so quick! We've got a little lightening bolt here too!

Thanks for your prayers and for keeping track of me. You're a special friend! - Beth

P.S. I've got a friend who does photo restoration, etc. Let me know if you'd like his info. I'd guess he could take out your uninvited photo guests. :) He's one of the fathers from our travel group.

Football and Fried Rice said...

Wow, the lighting is perfect & your subjects gorgeous!! Bummer about the woman in the background - photoshop?

Debbie said...

The pictures are wonderful. Just Photoshop that woman growing out of the arm out. ha ha!!!

prechrswife said...

First of all, that is hilarious! You know, Mary Joyce would have been right there with Hannah. I also cracked up at the line about the little woman growing out of Rob's shoulder. Seriously, though, the pictures turned out great!

Stefanie said...

What a great story... and you've got the pictures that captured it all, well done! I love all the pics!!
In case you didn't notice, there's a little something for you on my blog :)

Ashley Winters said...

Your photography is fantastic! What incredible photos.

sheryl said...

Oh Heather,

I am just now catching up on the little bugs and boy have I missed a lot! First of all, the beach pictures are amazing. You perfectly captured the beauty and joy of your girls. And the last one of Hannah is just priceless - your family and will smile at that picture and memory forever!

Love,
Sheryl

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