Embrace the camera

Emily, a wonderful blogger that I've recently begun to follow at http://andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com has this thing called Embrace the camera Thursdays.

Basically, she started this because she realized that she has very few pictures of her and her dying mother together. And that she wants to make sure that whatever happens in life, she can leave behind lots of memories for her children through pictures. And not just of them, but of them with her.

I definitely feel moved to participate in this, because I know that I am incredibly guilty of taking LOTS of pictures of Thing 1 and Thing 2.  And LOTS of pictures of Thing 1 and Thing 2 with Superman, but I very seldom am in front of the lens, because I am always behind it.  But I vow to begin Embracing the Camera every Thursday with Emily.  Starting today.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've always loved bedtime.  Thing 1 and Thing 2 have always been pretty good about going to sleep.  There is the occasional "just one more story" or "I'm thirsty," but mostly, they just lay down, listen to their stories, and lay quietly flipping through their books after we've said good night.

Lately though they are very into Mommy telling them stories.  The stories almost always are about Grandma and Grandpa's dogs.  Those dogs have gone on some amazing adventures!  They've gone camping, taken a train ride, ridden a roller coaster, visited Thing 1 and Thing 2's school, and gone to the beach, just to name a few.

Thing 2 is my mini-me.  He is stubborn. And strong willed.  Obstinate.  He is the child my mother always cursed me with, when she'd yell "One day you'll have one just like you."  Yet he is creative, and lovable, and thoughtful.  And strong.

I love how the boys love to pick out their own pajamas now.  Thing 1 would wear these green lantern (short sleeved and shorts!!) pajamas every single night if he could.  He cries when we put them in the laundry.  Thing 2 just grabs whatever is on the top in the drawer.  He is not so picky.

At first, it was tough for me, because we'd always dressed them in coordinating outfits, but I quickly began to cherish how this simple act of independence on their parts really shines a light on how perfectly different my twin sons are.