For several months I have been meaning to write about the importance of having your family's photos taken. It isn't easy to put into words all the thoughts I have on this subject. I have a tendency to lean towards the overly sentimental when writing, but in this case I didn't quite want to open the flood gate of emotions, but I do think it is important to share some of these thoughts with you on why I feel it is so important to have tangible memories to hold onto. I hope you find inspiration from this to always take the shot, to always get in the frame, to be a part of your family's memories. 

In June I attended a friends final farewell, a celebration of life. During the ceremony a slide show of photos showing her life played on a screen. I was mesmerized  by her life. She was a performer, an actress, a mother, a friend. She had snapshots and headshots, gorgeous memories, and blurry images, but they all were moments never to be had again. This unfortunately was the second member of Mr. E Murders who passed away within six months of each other.

our last performance with Kelli and Susan

 Before saying goodbye to Susan, we said farewell to Kelli.  She was my dear friend, mentor, advisor, book club member, fellow actress, and the godmother to my children.  She was the one person I could guarantee loved my children nearly, if not equally, as much as I do, and for no other reason except for them being unequivocally them.  She loved every ornery, messy, noisy moment. She actually encouraged a lot of those! She is missed deeply by us. Her passing has left a huge hole in our hearts. I think of her daily.  

I have some great photos, a lot of snapshots, some not great quality images, photos from my phone, but they are memories I love and I am grateful to have.  It is important to document those you love!

the day before Kelli left for treatment at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Oklahoma

ginger bread houses were our tradition, this is 2014

It is not only important to have memories of those who have passed, but it is important to have the memories of your own life. You need to see how joyful you look when your children hug you.

You need to see the smile that radiates love when you and your husband laugh together.

 you need to see that you were there too!

I know it's hard to get in front of the camera, I understand, I want to lose some weight or maybe get a miracle wrinkle cream,  but how sad would it be to miss out on this time in our lives because of our insecurities.  Also, believe me when I say your children will never notice the wrinkles, all they will see is their beautiful loving mother, or superhero father having fun with them! It is important to document you being a part of your family! I think it is important to mark the different occasions in your life, both big, and small.  It is important to document the different phases in your life, early parenthood, small children, tweens to teens. You name, it, it is important!  Our lives go quickly and so often we over look how incredible each phase really is. You are not always aware of how remarkable a time is when you are in the thick of it, but then you look back at an image, you will notice how all of the beautiful emotions come rolling right back to you.  When you see the newborn photo, you may remember the 3 am feedings, but it is the joy that resonates more than than the fatigue.   An image can draw you right back to the time when your baby snuggled ever deeper into your arms, to the time your oldest lost his first tooth, to the year you become the shortest in the family.  These moments are important to document.

 It is important for your children to see they are apart of something larger than themselves.  They feel connected when they see images of themselves with their parents and grandparents.  They know they belong to something, that they are a part of a unit and that they are valued and fit in somewhere.   Family photos help give a sense of security to children. They are a time capsule for you and a legacy to future generations.  This time doesn't last forever, but the memories can! Don't let another year slip away without getting in the shot, get your family photos taken, or just document all those around you.

 below my grandparents, sisters and I. This continues to be one of my most cherished belongs. I have had it displayed since it was taken. It traveled the country with me, and continues to bring a smile to my face each day as I pass it on my wall.

My parents, sisters and I, another of my favorite images! Hanging among a family wall gallery.

  If you need even more of a push, it's pretty amazing to see yourself or your children hanging as art work on your living room wall!