There’s no doubt that Mariam is the *MPS at our house.  (*Most Photographed Subject.) We – as in ALL of us – seem to be helpless in that.  Who knows if God will ever send us another little girl? It’s not like the gang doesn’t ask…we get the internal interrogations nearly every day:  “WHEN are you going to have another baby, Mom and Dad?”  The answer is always the same: Whenever God sends us one. Since He hasn’t sent us any NEW babies, we have to take lots of pictures of the one we DO have.

On the topic of photographs – ahem – there’s just so much you can do with your pictures these days.  Above you can see how I changed the first photograph.  I just use the free Photobucket options.  I cropped the photo to include the portion I wanted it to contain, then chose “Masterpiece Painting” from the “Effects” tab.  I absolutely LOVE how it turned out!  I think it would be so neat to print this out onto cardstock and use it for notecards.

I’m tickled “pink” by this picture.  I feel like I have my very own garden gnome.    And I love this new feature!  What else can I turn into a Masterpiece Painting? 

How deep the Father’s Love for us, how vast beyond all measure….

I stand and watch her in the diffused Autumn light.

It’s late September, and she’s wearing her swimsuit today.  She insisted.

It’s been a hard day all around for her.  She woke up crabby, nothing would please her.  If not whining, the fashion of the day involves outright crying.

She’s being…shall we say it?….difficult.

My secret?

No big deal.  She’s almost two.  Maybe she doesn’t feel well.  Maybe she’s coming down with a cold or is dealing with an erupting molar.  I could put her to bed, but I hold her off until she’s had an early lunch.

We’ll deal with these “issues,” try new tactics.  We’ll play outside, have an unplanned snack, wear that swimsuit, grab a little spray while mama waters the lettuce.  Distract, tickle, and gain a small smile where you can.  Endure.  Tolerate.  Adore.  And wait for the blessed nap.

I stand and watch her, inglorious attitude and all, and think:  She is worth it.  She was worth the pregnancy pains, worth the financial outlay that all children bring, worth the ups and downs of crabby days.

I get to know her, get to experience her personality, get to share life with this unique child that is hand-made by God.  I “get to!”  What are tears and fussy days in comparison?

I think that I can put up with a little insistence on self-dressing and apparel faux paus for all of the blessings that she brings.

*photos from a happier day. 

WHY is my daughter licking a slatted door?  WHAT is on her face?  I think it is chocolate.  Whatever it is, she sure looks guilty.

*photo by Nick