The other day I was having some early morning snuggles with our toddler. It was commonplace. Typical. Routine. And completely full of JOY, as many “typical” or “routine” things in our life are. In an instant it hit me that I really didn’t have any pictures of this interaction. But how could I? Who would take the picture? (David’s usually gone for work well before the kids wake up.)

So I asked Porter to grab the camera, hold it steady and just snap away as I continued to tickle and snuggle with Crew. This is what he got.

Later when I uploaded Porter’s pictures, I found magic. He did it. He captured a moment and he did it beautifully. He was able to record a slice of my role as a mama. Even his composition was impressive. The result? I now have a couple pictures that have become favorites of Crew and me together.

So this got me thinking.

Of course it got me thinking.

I am so caught up in my own role as a family historian and documenter of life, that I have not really focused on instilling this in our kids yet. Granted our oldest is only 8, but still. Now is a good time. Right?

Porter writes in his journal occasionally. Love that. The kids create art on a daily basis. Love that. Now I want them to learn how to take pictures. I want them to learn that through taking pictures, they are not only documenting life but they will be more tuned into their blessings. They know about Mom’s love for taking pictures. They know the term “picture of the day”. They suggest ideas for what should be the POTD sometimes. They love looking at our Project Life books.

Now it’s their turn. I am so getting them on-board this Summer. They’re young. I’ll keep it basic. But I’m definitely excited to mentor them in photography, teaching them a little about light and composition and for sure editing. They’ll probably love that part the most.

We’re always trying to teach our children how to cultivate a good life. Now they’re going to learn how to record it. Now that is magic.