For the Love...of a Photograph, and Guest Interview 1:17 Photography

Julie, 1:17 Photography

When I was young my dad was always taking pictures at events or special occasions.  He did not have a little Polaroid camera like many people in the 1970’s, my dad had ‘a camera’.  It was a big one with lenses and giant flash additions and a large case.  My dad had a growing and evolving interest in photography, setting out to capture all of our family moments on film.

Posing for pictures for my dad sometimes proved to be a tedious event in itself.  These were the days of actual film in the camera and there was no way to know how good the shot was as you were capturing the moments.  No kids saying “let me see” as soon as the picture snapped.  You just did not know.  That is why Dad took a ton. Also, there was no automatic digital macro focus with the fancy lenses.  So Dad was focusing and refocusing and we posed and posed.

Dad’s love for the hobby of photography has trickled down to me.  I love it.  I love taking pictures.  It’s a part of who I am and I will never quit.  I love the artful side and the sentiment that comes with a wonderful photograph.  Since my kids were tiny, I have carried out the legacy of capturing moments on film.  Yes, my children have grown tired of these sessions, just like I did as a child.   My hope is that they will understand the beauty in the memories for years to come.  The treasure of it.

This brings me to our fall family portrait session a few years ago.  We don’t do family sessions but every few years.  Too many months and years had passed before this session.  Given my light history with photography during my life, I feel like I have a good sense of good photographers.  I had been admiring the work of 1:17 Photography for a few years and I know the Photographer, Julie, personally.  It was time for a Simpson Family Portrait.

I wrote a post right after the session.  It will give you a little insight on the Simpson Session. Here was my summation of this family ‘activity’:

Photo:  1:17 Photography

Phases – The Process of a Family Portrait Session- October 2014

 

We had our family portrait finally accomplished yesterday. It seemed like a feat similar to moving mountains. This was all on us, as the photographer was awesome and I adore her work and how she runs the session (Thank you Julie Torregrossa/1:17 Photography)! I reflected on all of this yesterday and decided there were phases to this, from a Mom’s perspective. Here they are:

 

 #1. You book the date and are excited—it’s on the calendar. Booking Phase.
#2. Later, you tell your family and you are probably ignored. You send email to spouse to put on his calendar–this may or may not happen. Family Calendar Phase.
#3. You forget about the ‘clothing’ issue until days before—you realize not only do you NOT have clothes for people that fit, but NO ONE needs to ‘clash’ with clothing choices. Panic section begins. Uh Oh Phase.
#4. You squeeze in sprint-like shopping by yourself. You have never shopped with so much drive. You realize you will be making LOTS of returns. (Marathon Phase?)
#5. The day before, you brief family members of attire and collectively get the articles of clothing selected. Panic section starts to wind down. Final Clothing Selection Phase.
#6. Day of session and one hour before departure, you are asked if cargo shorts and jeggings can be worn. This is after JEANS discussion the day before. Disbelief and Denial Phase. Can also be known as the Oppositional Phase.
#7. Crying Phase of youngest and Mom pops Ibuprofen. (Mom wants to cry)
#8. Pre- departure Phase. One member of family does total change of shirt 30 minutes prior to departure. Disbelief Phase still going strong.
#9. Son wears fleece jacket in car after being told NOT to wear jacket, as mom spent time ironing shirt. This rounds out the Disbelief Phase.
#10. Grumpy Phase for all in car.
#11. Actual Session Phase with no sibling wanting to touch one another and pretending to like each other seems impossible to them. 20 minutes is a long time.
#12. Post-session and family enters the Elation-happy Phase—where were these people for the last 2 hours?

 



Photo:  1:17 Photography

 

The wonders that Julie created with so little time and such undercover grumpiness. 

Photo:  1:17 Photography

 

I wanted to invite Julie to my blog today and let her share a little bit about her passion. I interviewed her to dig into her creative side of life!

Photo:  1:17 Photography

TS: Tell me about the name of your photography business, 117 Photography.  I know you have some detail on your website, and the photos are WONDERFUL of your own family.  What would you like to share here?

JT: My business began out of my own need to DO something! Oddly enough, if you had told me 15 even years ago that I would be running my own business-in photography no less-I’m quite sure I would have laughed so hard I would have fallen out of my chair.  I never grew up as an artistic type at all.  I could sing, but that was truly about the extent of my artistic talents.  I went to college to be a teacher, and did teach in the classroom for about 4 years.  After that, I worked at a private girl’s school in Memphis running their after-school program.  It was during those years that I had my son, Jackson.  About two years later, I was pregnant with Isabella and we decided that we wanted to take the leap of me becoming a stay-at-home-mom.  Well, my dreams of the happy mom moments were a little off from reality as I struggled with the long days at home with a 2-year-old and a newborn and a husband that was traveling more than he ever had done before.  So I started searching for something I could do on the side that would help our struggling little finances as we were down to one income, and also give me an outlet of something to do outside of our home for a few hours a week just to get away from the insanity of toddlerhood! 

Julie in action!  Sometimes family members help with focusing the subjects.

 I literally knew NOTHING about photography when I first started and now I have a business.  God is so good to provide what we need when we need it!  My husband has always been my biggest supporter from the very beginning.  We had a conversation one day about my “dream job” would be to be a photographer.  Literally, about a week later, my doorbell rang and sitting at the front door was a delivery by UPS.  Jack had ordered my very first digital camera and told me to play around and learn what I could.  He told me “how could your dream become reality unless you have the right equipment?”  He said, “Who knows if you will be any good.  If you are then great.  If you are not, then we have a wonderful camera to take photos of our children.”  From there, I began to take a few classes and teach myself all about photography in between my children’s naps and late into the night while everyone slept.  Thankfully, I did all of this in my 20’s…quite sure I couldn’t swing those hours into my 40’s!


When we became aware that the business was really turning into something and was going to be more than just a few friends asking me to take their photos, that is when I started the task of coming up with a name for my business.  Let me tell you, that is hard stuff!  I prayed and prayed over it and finally settled on a Bible verse.  I knew that it was only by God’s goodness that I was able to get this business started at all, therefore, I knew that my business name needed to not shy away from proclaiming Him.  James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift comes from above.”-seemed to fit perfectly into my story of my business as well as reflecting the subjects I mainly focused on-children and families!

TS:  I love this backstory to your business!  In turn, you provide a wonderful gift to others—your talent and eye for a great photo.  This is one of the busy seasons for you and a time that many want to grab a session.  What advice can you give to others looking for a photographer to take family photos?

JT:  To me, the best thing to do is to look at the photographer’s work. Browse their website, social media and blog-you will see their work and be able to see if it speaks to the type of images that speak to your heart! 

I want to thank Julie Torregrossa for her patience with me and my questions!  She is inspiring to me so much that I am trying my own little venture with the camera.  Julie’s work is a beautiful niche of family and children’s portraits in natural light.  I plan to branch in a direction not far but on a few different off-shoots of her path.  I hope I am able to capture moments as magical as Julie’s work.

With Joy,

Tracey

 

You can follow Julie’s work on her web:  http://www.117photography.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/117photography/

 

Please visit my Tracey Simpson Photography tab! You can choose the button from the HOME tab, or click here.

 

 

Repurpose to Fill That Tank

Have you ever had a couple of days when things just keep pounding away at you?  You keep moving and stuff just whacks you on the head to push you back down.  Just like that old arcade game that had those pop-up moles and you had the giant mallet to whack the moles.  Except in the game of life, the giant Paul Bunyan-sized hammer beats you back again.

 



Love my new cup, gifted to me by someone who knows me well!

Sometimes there are weeks like that and I forget to look around to see promise.  I miss the kudos.  I fail to hear the encouragement.  I bristle up and don’t feel the pat on the back. I get so bogged down in the negative, that I don’t see the positive.  I miss the joy, which is something that is planted deep in my heart despite the circumstances.  The ‘Joy Tank’ is there and just needs to be uncovered and topped off every so often.  The smudge needs to be wiped away.  That is what keeps the pipes running well.  It’s the Joy Tank.  



Max the Cat...he has his own joy tank.

My Joy Tank is welded with knowledge of who I am.  I am loved.  The walls of my Joy Tank bind up truth that the Lord has chosen me and not cast me away (Isaiah 41:9).  The bolts of my Joy Tank are strengthened with the promise that the Lord loves me with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).  This is the Joy Tank that works on inside me despite what is going on outside of me.

 

Then there is the part of the day when I am fully human and have those imperfect moments and don’t feel very joyful.  This is normal and God knows I just can’t be perfect (and as much as I want to ‘perfect’ things, I realize it ain’t gonna happen).  That’s when I need to look around, feel and see the positive.  I need to repurpose those feelings of frustration.  I need to take a moment. Move away from that mallet.

Notice.

 
Notice that kind word from a stranger.  Notice the encouragement from a friend.  Notice the bird outside the window.  Notice the colors of the sunset or the rosy grin of a 14-year-old.  These are the things the Lord will nudge our way to top off our Joy Tanks.  These are the things that the Lord used to encourage me recently during one of those human weeks.  I was able to see how to repurpose.  He makes old things new.

 

     “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.” – 2 Cor. 5:17

Before picture, adding legs.

 

I was given a kitchen cabinet recently by a sweet friend who was cleaning out.  I had been planning on finding a corner cabinet for my dining room and I had a tight budget.  I thought this free cabinet fit that budget and decided to see what I could do with it.  This cabinet was once hung on a wall.  It was very plain with nothing fancy to make it seem dining room-worthy.  It was sturdy and solid and ready for a new life. 

 

I made a few trips to the hardware stores.  Soft grey paint was purchased, along with short legs and a wood board to serve as the cabinet top.  After deciding the cabinet would be one that locked, I found basic hardware and locks to be painted.  Decorative knobs were found and painted as well.  The piece lived in my garage as I found time to work on it.  It was my first cabinet makeover and I was pulling on some self-taught engineering to secure legs, trim, and locks.  The cabinet was chalk painted that grey paint and slightly distressed, then finished with a clear wax. 

Before picture, adding top/trim.

Before picture, first coat of paint.

 

I repurposed something old and gave it new life.  It has a prominent spot in my dining room now.  I poured love and labor into it and I love it!  This cabinet is different and unique.  It has a purpose.  It’s mine.

 

After picture, the finished cabinet.

 

I could not help but think of how God repurposes and uses things in our life as I worked on the cabinet. Sometimes we just have to see it, and top off our Joy Tanks.

 

With Joy,

Tracey

 

Encouraging Words to Those Who May Have Some Morning Kid 'Tude

“No One Is Doing Anything To Help Me.”

Just a bit of relational encouragement to other moms out there that may have heard this before.  I happen to be lucky enough to hear it this morning from my teen before school.  I laughed, I was not mad—this time.  I really wanted to just verbally review the last 12 hours or so. 

I took you to Sonic after your late game last night when all I wanted to do is get home.

I washed and ironed your clothes for today.

I woke you up about 6 times this morning. (This really gets old, me being the repeat alarm clock after traditional ones don’t make people budge)

I made your lunch.

Oh and I made your breakfast and put it in the car for the ride to school.

I reminded you a few times to have your bags together for after school.

I opened the trunk so you could throw your things in there.

Not to mention the countless hours I spend in the car because you can’t drive.

I pray and pour out my heart to the Lord for my kids everyday—who else will pray for my children?

I did not review these points verbally.  So I am trying to encourage those who might find any of this sounding familiar.  It is easy to let ourselves get beat down.

You are not alone.

I feel you.

The best thing is to remind ourselves not to listen to negative talk.  Not really just the negative talk that comes out of the mouths of ‘certain people’ living under your roof, but negative self-talk.  Don’t listen to the lies and focus on the truth.  Lies like, “This kid will always be like this.”, or “Where did I go wrong?” have no place in our minds.

Philippians 1:6 says that God has begun a good work in your child—yes that one with a little bit of attitude.  This truth in Philippians also says He promises to finish what He starts.  So I have to remind myself of this…often.

He will finish what he starts, He can move mountains.  All WE need is a little bit of faith.

And lots of coffee.

Have a great day full of JOY,

Tracey

“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”  -Matthew 17:20

The Football

Football is coming to a close with the upcoming Superbowl game just days away.  I have had a long time to really think about this game and the beginnings of it.  The fundamentals of the game.  It really starts with kids.

All my life I have been around football.  Not that anyone played in my family growing up but we have always had a love for it.  In our house, we loved college football and the football fever was strong for the Alabama Crimson Tide. I enjoyed my high school football and it did not hurt that we were awesome during my years of school there. It is a great feeling when you have something to do with friends and a hundred fans all cheering for the same cause under Friday Night Lights.  Over the last year, I have seen football in a different light.

My son decided to take up tackle football in the 8^th grade.  He made the decision as a new 8^th grader at his school and after school had started.  I remember saying to him, “Boy, you are going to get your block knocked off!”  So he played and learned the ropes.  He was new to the team and new to tackle so he did not go in every play, but he seemed to enjoy this!  The boys were great and welcomed him on the team.  This 8^th grade team flourished and won almost every single game.

Fast forward to this past summer. My son, Honey Badger (what I like to call him as he has a very strong will…is there a stronger word than ‘strong’?), decided he was up for high school ball.  He went all July to work out, practice, and sweat in this Memphis heat for football.  There were scrimmages and two-a-days.  There was record-setting heat.  The practices were moved to early mornings and late nights.  It was a long, hot July.

Let me stop and tell you it ain’t no picnic for the Mommas.  Some mornings he had to BE there by 5:40 am.  It is still dark at 5:40 am. Forget two-a-days, I had six-a-days.  Back and forth I drove and picked up.  There were some nights they were done after 8:00, and then I had to feed this man-child because he was like a ravaged beast.  I think he ate five meals a day in July.  I had to keep up with that.  Then I will address the smells.  Stinky stench of uniforms and practice clothes could have originated in the elephant house at the zoo.  Something died in those clothes during practice.  It was so bad I wanted to bury them—daily.  But I did not.  I washed them every night in preparation for the next day.  It ain’t no picnic for the Mommas but I would do it 50 times over again.

There is something interesting that happens when you join a team at school.  This may be a marching band, a chess team, a school choir, or a sports team.  Whatever the group or team, the student is now a part of something larger than himself.  The student is a member and included in the camaraderie.  The student is accountable.  I see some sort of new pride in having things ready for practice.  What? Your bag is together?  I see someone prepare to leave for practice and enter the room saying, “Come on Mom, I’m ready to go.”  Who is this child?

Coach talking to my son after a play.

The Coach has more knowledge on food (taking care of your body), sleep and exercise than any parent can dream of attaining.  I think the Coach has some sort of magic coach’s whistle because I know we talked about junk food and exercise a few hundred times in this house.  My husband played all sorts of sports so we have had numerous helpful discussions on these subjects.  MY child goes to a summer practice and the Coach lectures the boys on food and exercise, then uses that ‘magic coach’s whistle’ and these boys believe it.  Maybe there is a rock tablet that has football rules inscribed on it called, “Coach Says”.  I think I need some “Coach Says” in this house.  The bedroom of Honey Badger has little positive things going for it.  Hey, Coach says to get the dog poop out of the yard and wash my car.

It’s been so insightful to ‘live’ on this side of the bench—as a parent.  You begin to know who all of the players are and you meet a lot of the other parents.  You ask a ton of questions to these other parents.  You feel a sense of loyalty to not only cheer for your kid but now these other kids by name.  You are emotional about other players, too!  One of the most touching sights is found after a game.  These big boys, sweaty and stacked up in full pads search to find their parents.  I have watched them reach to hug a mom or dad.  That is a beautiful sight and I am so glad I get to peek into their lives.

Senior players praying for a hurt brother after a game.

Football season is long over and I can fully look back at these last few months in the game of football.  Our team did not have a winning record.  But these boys never gave up.  The coaches were unbelievably strong and led by their faith in The Lord and their coaching wisdom.  They were building something and it did not always end with a win on the scoreboard.  They were building these boys into young men.  These players learned about perseverance, getting back up, integrity, and brotherhood.  They learned they must keep their focus on the straight path and they are already victorious.

This experience with football has given me a different view of team sports, but a higher respect for football.  These boys started preparing in June. For those months, my child experienced so much that I just can’t put a price tag on it.  It has amazed me even though my child was not on the field in many games.  The love of the game goes deep.  The love of the game grows much deeper than the grass it is played on.

My Boy.

It is not just the block or tackle or catch on solid ground.  Football is the relationship a player has with his team.  It is the strength it takes to encourage a brother.  It is the endurance of many to work and fight through the rough spots.  It is the grit and vigor to protect this common bond.  All of this comes together and forms the game into something amazing.

Yes, the love of the game goes much deeper.

I am not sure how long my son will play football.  I hope he will continue through high school.  I hope that love continues to grow.

With Joy,

Tracey

“The Lord is my strength and my shield. In Him my heart trusts.” – Psalm 28:7

Wait A Minute

It seems like time is such an adversary these days.  Not enough of it.  It evades me. It runs away.  It slips through my fingers.  I try to grasp time and hang on to it.  I soak it in and revile in it.  Time does not care, though.  It keeps moving.  Time has its own agenda, despite what I want.  I want it to stop.  Time does not hear me.  It never does.

These days are just packed.  Packed with activities and people.  These days bloom with mini memories and large adventures. These days have moments.  The moments are now what I want to press into a large book and then pull put to frame and hang in a hall of recollections.  I want to just dwell there.  Smile and exhale and hug on my precious loved ones.

In these packed days, I find a little girl.  She is not so little anymore, but she is my youngest.  My little one finished elementary school in May. 

She is still mostly sweet and wants me around for the most part.  We had a standing lunch date every Friday.  I would go to the school and eat lunch with her and it cannot be missed, or it must be made up.  Forget making up ‘Snow Days’, worry over ‘Missed Lunch Days’!  This was a high priority that ranks up there with food and sleep.

This little girl has grown and makes me wonder, “Why does time have to keep moving?”  Why can’t I just stop her from getting older even for just a short time?  Halle is my little girl and I treasure all of the things about her.  She wakes up and is ready to do her business of the day.  She talks first thing in the morning and makes her own lunch.  Clearly, this trait is not from me.  She likes to organize social events and loves art.  Halle has a heart for animals and loves her dog and cat-almost to a fault.  The dog can take it but the cat needs a hiatus sometimes from all that love.  Halle loves going to the barn and loves to ride horses.  Her heart spills over with love for creatures!

If you don’t know Halle well, she has a few little gems I love.  Along with her desire to decorate for any holiday and her organizing, she has no desire for being scared.  Don’t scare her.  Just don’t do it.  If you hide and then jump out, you better move away quickly.  She will slap you into next week, once she recovers.  All that aside, Halle will share will share any food with you. I think this is a delightful trait for the youngest of three.

One of the last days at the bus stop in 5th grade with Delaney and the dogs-Chopper and Indy

This is not only a time for growth and my youngest moving on to her next stage, but it is a bittersweet time when we close the chapter of Elementary School for our family.  Those last few days of 5^th grade were treasured. In my mind, I will forever etch the vision of my baby getting on that school bus and blowing kisses to me out the window. I will cling to those tight hugs she gave me when she left for the school day.  I will relish all of those memories of school lunch that held a special spot on my calendar each Friday.

I am so excited to see what God has planned for Halle in her next chapter.  He has thoughts of good for her (Jer. 29:11)! She can claim that promise. As the next stage unfolds, I can love the days.  These are great days and sweet days.  How I want them to just stop.  Stop moving for just a minute.  Wait a minute.

So to my special youngest child, my sweet-note-writer, and my hug-giver, I pray your next stage will be wonderful.  Go forth into Middle School.  I love you, Halle, and I always will!

With Love and Joy,

Tracey

“Like a devoted gardener, I will pour sweet water on parched land, streams on hard-packed ground; I will pour My spirit on your children and grandchildren—and let My blessing flow to your descendants.”  -Isaiah 44:3

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and

Our family adventure this summer and my girls

not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” –Jeremiah 29:11

Put Your Heels Down and Get Mad

My daughters enjoy riding horses. Actually they enjoy all-things horse.  What I know is that this love comes honestly.  I have the love.  What I forgot is all of the life lessons that can be learned from riding and well, horses.

I know there are volumes of books written on the subject.  I can only pull from my experiences today.  My middle child is an undercover worker bee.  She has a little bit of grit to work toward a goal.  Fairly laid back, so one would not always notice her grit, but it is there.  Sometimes you have to dig deep for that grit. 

Sometimes you have to trust others, who are wiser than you.  Sometimes you also have to trust you can do this.  Horses can really push some of these things out of the very bottom of yourself and the tips of your toes.

On a beautiful day recently we went to the barn for a riding lesson.  My girls ride at a barn where there are always lessons and usually the swapping of assigned steeds for the lesson.  Erin is their instructor and owner of the barn. She is an accomplished teacher, rider and has a degree from a wonderful riding college.  Most importantly, she has years of experience.  Horse experience.

Let me stop right here and let you know that I am no horse expert.  I did not go to a riding college.  I did grow up riding and owned a pony for a little while.  I also immersed myself into all things horse for a portion of my young life.  So, I may be a little rusty on the horse front, but I have a fair amount of intuition left in me.  When the girls started riding at this barn a few years ago, I felt it was a good fit.  Erin knows what she is doing, she knows her horses and she seems to quickly know the young riders.  There was my intuition nudging me.  A good fit and some wisdom to boot (pun totally intended)!

Conversations before a horse show

So on a glorious day in early February, we arrived at the barn for a lesson.  The barn office is the hub where riders are greeted and the riders are assigned a horse for the lesson.  The girls both raced into the barn to get started for the lesson.  On this day, I sat in the truck to watch the lesson and get a few things done.

Deep in thought, I was startled when the back door opened and shut quickly.  It was my middle child.  I turned to look at her and saw she was digging around for her water bottle.  So I turned back around as I said, “Oh you forgot your water?”

“Yup.”

I then heard her breathing change and I turned to find her starting to get upset.  I asked, “What is wrong?”  Middle Child explained that she was assigned to ride a particular horse that day for the lesson.  This was upsetting to her because this horse is sometimes…snarky.  She started going on about all the reasons she did not want to ride this horse.  Sometimes he bucks.  Sometimes he does not like other horses, oh and look there are others riding in the paddock now!  I am not sure Middle Child breathed as these fears rolled off her tongue.  I knew why she had some fear, this horse was indeed snarky.

So I finally got a word in between all of the heavy breathing.  I told Middle Child that Erin knew what she was doing.  She had her reasons for assigning that horse.  Erin also knew Middle Child as a rider.  She would not put Middle Child on this horse if there was not confidence it could be done.  I also said it might be tough but it would make her a better rider. 

“But what if he bucks?” she asked.

I replied, “Then just put your heels down and get mad.  Don’t let that horse win.  You win.  You have the last say.”  I went on to tell her if she can ride this horse, she could ride any horse there.

Middle Child pulled herself together and seemed to listen. 

She got out of the truck and headed into the barn.  A few minutes later, she emerged leading that snarky horse.  He followed her lead and they made their way to the paddock where others were starting to ride.  Erin was waiting and the lesson soon began.

I chose to stay in the car this time.  I could see the lesson and sometimes Mom needs to give some distance.  The lesson went smoothly from what I could see.  Afterwards, I spoke with Erin and she complimented Middle Child and her performance in the lesson.

When Middle Child finished all of the grooming in the barn, she emerged once again leading her horse out to pasture.  She was relaxed and confident.  The girls were in the truck a few minutes later and ready to leave.

“How did it go?” I asked.  Youngest Child talked about her great lesson and enjoyed her horse selection that day.  Middle Child was very excited about her lesson and even surprised herself.

Then she said this, “Hey Mom, now I think I can handle riding any horse here!”

Don’t you just love it when it is almost like they claim the epiphany you shared with them earlier?  It’s stated as if they just thought of it on their own.  Spoken like they just found the answer to a crazy word problem—and it was correct.  That, my friends, is what I like to think of as the ‘bonus’ in the parenting world.  You tell them something and then they see you just might be right.  (Someone please tell my kids I do know a few things…we will just go with ‘a few’)

This all made me think of choices that were in front of me lately.  If I do the groundwork and prepare and then pray about it, why do I seem to have heavy breathing?  Why do I let doubt creep in and tell me I am not able?

It comes down to trust.  I should trust in the Lord in all my circumstances.  Ask for direction and then… wait for it, LISTEN. 

Listen to wise advice.  Just like the Instructor knew my middle child and the horse, God knows what we can’t see at times.

When facing doubt, sometimes you just need to put your heels down and get mad.

Ride on with Joy,

Tracey

“If you listen to advice and are willing to learn, on day you will be wise.” –Proverbs 19:20 (GNT)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.  Never rely on what you think you know.  Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.” –Proverbs 3:5-6 (GNT)

My girls during a horse show at the barn.

©2015-TraceySimpson

Washing Old Pants and an Easter Treasure

Did you ever have a time when things turn out pretty great even though the path to get there is filled with a few rocks of frustration, pebbles of doubt and stones of hindrance?  That was Easter for me this year.  It’s not that I expected it to be perfect but this Holy day had the beginnings of a little crazy.

The 'Adult table'.  I went simple this year--thank goodness!

I thought the wonderful celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection would go as I planned it out in my head.  A happy family would go to early church, dressed appropriately in the sunshine.  This was my first expectation.  Then happy family would come home for a few great pictures and dash inside to prepare to host another family for lunch and the afternoon filled with food and laughter.  This was my second expectation.  I forgot to add the part about Mama being stress-free because I was so ultra-organized that I had the house perfectly cleaned and all food ready to go early.  That was not only my third expectation, but a stinking dream. 

The night before, I finally persuaded the oldest child, Honey Badger, to try on khaki pants I purchased days ago.  His current pants were too short by just a bit.  Three pairs were reluctantly addressed and none of them fit correctly. Somehow I picked up a ‘skinny fit’ pair or two but these looked too groovy on my teenager.  So then I was washing old pants at nine in the evening.

My Tween never tried on the tops I purchased for her but I announced to her she was just stuck with them.  So sorry.  I did come out strong with my youngest child.  My youngest chose a dress from the lot of the massive amounts of clothing I purchased two weeks prior.  Oh mercy me, the loads I brought home with hope these girls would try on and say, “Why yes, Mama, this is awesome!”  Needless to say, I have a few returns to make this week.

Easter morning came and I started my day off peaceful with quiet time and coffee.    It was so nice.  I thanked the Lord for this great day and gift.  I plugged in the iron and prepped for breakfast.  Then, I started the journey of the day’s events.

I woke the girls and they were glad to get up.  The idea of chocolate candy when the sun comes up will get them out of bed anytime.  The Easter Bunny always hides filled eggs around our house on Easter morning.  I began to iron Honey Badger’s pants and the girls were hunting eggs in pajamas with sleepy, squinty eyes.  As I iron, I am breaking up a few dozen arguments of the hunt.  One is bragging of her loot.  The other is racing around ahead of the first one.  What is a holiday tradition on a Holy morning without arguments?

The family manages to get up, get dressed and finally get in the car.  We were late to early church but we made it.  We park in the very far quadrant of the parking lot.  My husband noted how full the parking seemed for eight in the morning!  I shivered as I exited the car and we were all shocked by the chill in the air on that walk inside.  We walked very fast.

The Worship service was wonderful on Easter Sunday.  The message was clear and the presentation was a gift. Jesus came down.  He died and resurrected.  He is HERE.  It was all so beautiful and moving. The music was amazing.  My heart was full.

After church, we rushed home to take the traditional Easter pictures.  These are the absolute worst moments of the day for my children.  The sighs are growing louder as I usher the family to the most decent spot I have in the yard.  “No one cares”, Honey Badger said –like ten times.  He thinks if he does not care about Easter pictures that no one should.  Sorry again.  Mom and Dad trump that thought.

The thrill of family photos...

We take pictures.  It was cold and the ground was wet and the sky was overcast.  Honey Badger wore neon yellow socks that show just enough beneath his khaki pants.  He avoided the ironed, button-down shirt and went for last year’s polo shirt and a pullover.  Seriously?  A pullover?  The girls were dressed in their attire and making all sorts of faces.  In the end, I have pictures and they are my children.  They are still beautiful to me despite the chaotic morning and wardrobe malfunctions. 

Finally some happy faces!

I moved on to the kitchen and started my last-minute meal prep.  As pots and pans began to fly, I was thankful we all decided to make it simple this year.  As I try to resemble some strange version of Rachel Ray, I reviewed in my head how things seemed to be all out of sorts for me and Easter this year.  My schedule is different.  The weather was crappy.  We have had so many activities.  I came to a good conclusion for myself.  All I know is I usually have my Easter decorations out weeks in advance and my food is at least half-finished by Saturday.  Not the case for Easter 2015.  I was silently beating myself up while I beat the mashed potatoes.

The doorbell rang and the Steiner family arrived.  What a breath of fresh air.  We have known this family for about fifteen years and invited them to Easter lunch for the first time nine years ago.  Neither family has any extended family living in town.  Nine years ago, the Steiner’s had a newborn and two little girls near my girls’ ages.  We invited them so we all would have community and give them a little break on the cooking with so many little ones.  So the tradition stuck.  We have enjoyed the tradition and the kids enjoy it as well.  Honey Badger is a little bit indifferent, since there is no ‘boy’ Steiner but he goes along.

All of the girls after a fun day together.

We get the all five girls situated and bless the food in the kitchen.  The adults and Honey Badger head to the dining room for our meal.  We blessed our food and start.  Around the adult table, stories are told and we catch up on activities and family news.  We laugh until we cry.  The kids trickle in and out and beg for dessert.  Hours pass and we are still at the table talking and laughing.  It’s an Easter tradition and an Easter Treasure. 

I am sure I will have more Easters with rushed food and crazy clothing.  I am sure I will have more Easters with a house that is not as organized as I would like.   I reflect on Easter Sunday and think of the great moments.  We had a wonderful worship at church and I got my pictures.  We had a good lunch with sweet friends.  We were together.  This Easter turned out pretty great.  The path may have hurt my bare feet with the stones and rocks but when I reached the grass it was great.  My feet helped me remember to be grateful when I got there.

Until the next holiday filled with a few kid arguments and some extra helpings of gratefulness, go forth with Joy!

Not sure about this one...but seems to be a familiar scenario

Tracey

Count it all JOY:

“Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing.” -James 1:2-4

What holiday hazards have you encountered that have turned out to be grateful moments?  Comment below!