We experience it every day, this thing called life. Intertwined with life is this thing called time and some how never enough of it. No matter how much more we need, it just keeps flying by. We love our children...the sweet smell of their bodies, the silky softness of their skin, and the innocence of their hearts....babies one day, and suddenly we turn around and they are 5.

Tireless hours of sacrifice, a multitude of shared joys, and in just a blink, they've become teenagers, off to college & work, and we hope marriage and children of their own. The cycle of life continues and time keeps moving forward. It never stands still no matter how often we wish for it. We all try to savor the moments. We give them hugs and hold them tightly.
We watch them play, read their favorite story a thousand times, fix their toys, kiss their cheeks, hold their hands, dry their tears. and give countless snuggles. Each of those minutes are precious. The day comes too soon when they say, "I can put myself to bed mom".
We say we'll remember this moment, this stage, this comment they made. And we try. We save their artwork and report cards, go to recitals and plays and cherish the handmade gifts that were made with love. We try to breathe their essence and fill their soul, knowing all too soon they'll leave and fly on with their own wings, our children, our sweet loves. When all this is said and done... jobs finished, chores done, charities helped, children growing fast, years passing by... what do we really have? The memories we made. The moments we lived. And hopefully the photographs. They become most essential and even more treasured as years pass.
Photographs to remember what we did in our lives. Photographs for sharing that life. Photographs to keep those moments in time alive and savored for ourselves and our families. Photographs of a time, that once passes by will never come again.
I have spent a lifetime capturing love with my family. My children revel in looking at photographs... of themselves, going places, doing things, of us-their parents, their grandparents, everyone... just living this thing called life. We watch as they look with their eyes wide open, small mouths questioning, laughter erupting. At times remembering, at times no clue... "This was me at three?" "This is what I looked like when I was a baby." Or "I love this one!, You gotta see this! You look funny!" Their hairstyles, their missing front teeth. "Hey Vanessa, remember when....."   "Mom look at this."   "Here's one of dad!"  "Oh! I love that dress. My favorite doll."  "Tristen, Tristen, remember the mud shots, here's a picture of your old train." 
"Vanessa this was your bedroom at our first house.  We painted large pink & magenta polka dots and dad made the white picket fence."  "Tristen, here's a shot of you and lambie-your snuggle buddy."  "Mom, you look so beautiful in your wedding dress."  "Can I see your wedding story again?"   "Vanessa, our little artist, you painted on quite a gown!"  "I love to look at the fair storybook you made for us, it reminds me of the fun we had!"

I'm sure the comments will change as they grow but I know the magic of looking back will never cease. The pleasure of looking at photographs and stories will always bring a smile and start a conversation. Take the time to invest in your child's stories and your own. Make and preserve these memories as so many times come for reflecting. The joy of knowing you did will always rest in your heart. Our children, these true gifts from heaven, value without end. Priceless. You and your family will treasure these photographs of stories from your life forever.

These are my gifts to them. "Tristen and Vanessa, you are my greatest joy, thank you for letting me be your mommy, you forever have my heart."


Patti Andre,

Capturing Love for a Lifetime, 'As I See It.'