Mutual Motivation

On Sun, Jun 1, 2014 at 8:52 PM, DeRachel wrote:

It was so nice to be with you all for a very special event.   -DeRach

DeRachel, Thank you so much for sending the pictures. You are so good about taking pictures and having record of important events AND the fun times. I want to make an album for the families for each year. I know I need to have a plan so I don't miss things. Can you share how you do it? Do you use all your own pictures or do you ask for some or get them off fb? I'm trying to figure out the best way to do it.

Thanks again,

On Monday, June 2, 2014, DeRachel wrote:

Good morning! I’m at the computer thinking about the nice time we had together as I gather the pics taken and a few videos (the drive home was good for reviewing my pics & the fun times we had). I’m soooo grateful that our children love the Lord and want to dedicate their children. They are amazing parents. I shared with hubby driving home, “I’d rather invest a little money in gas, travel and prayer now than rescuing a failed marriage” (ever grateful for their loving partnership raising the kids and for your kindred involvement).

I think I told you I’m making a Year One movie for younger g-son (because I created one for older g-son). It is a labor of love, believe me, because it takes time…. but I do have extra time! The movie is turning out great, BTW. If you’d like a copy when it’s done, let me know. I’m glad you’re working on albums!!!! The kids will love them.

You asked how I do what I do for my photo/movie projects:

• I’ve been using both my daughter's and my pics, fb, and video clips. For example, when we both received the recent text with the grape attack, I asked her to re-send it in email because texting takes away the quality of a video (I think texted photos are fine…like the Easter photos of the boys). Make sure she knows what you need picture-wise… I somewhat gently shared my desire with her on one of my visits (I think you were there) telling her I was creating the video and every so often long-distance wanted to be a part of their lives, at least with pics.
• I try to include shots with people other than the kids, too. For Easter I wanted a photo of the men and boys together, but daughter said it didn’t happen. Hopefully next Easter you’ll be able to get one… but I’ve learned that you can never force a picture to happen, especially with men. It just doesn’t work. That’s why the dedication was a perfect opportunity for adding other family to the video.
• It’s best to keep up with the process, but I’ve let months go by and then had to pull old pics and movies off my devices. Either way works, but it always feels good to catch up.
• Are you creating picture albums? You asked my program…for my movie I’m using the Movie Maker program. It’s pretty basic but takes a little practice to get used to it.

I apologize for being so wordy (that’s the blogger coming out) and hope your Ikea run was worthwhile. LOVE Ikea, and so appreciate our friendship.  - DeRach

Thanks, DeRachel. This is very helpful. You've given me some good ideas. I let the girls know that I am making albums for 2014, so they are going to send me some of their photos that I may not have. I really want to make an album of last year's wedding and all the fun things we did. Then I thought, I can't NOT make just one album of 2013 since the baby was born then, so my albums have increased. Lol I just want to get as many projects done as I can now while I'm not working.

We, too are thankful that our kids love the Lord and want to raise their children according to God's word. Marriage and parenting are hard enough, but having the Lord and a good circle of support is immeasurable, don't you think? I'm actually glad for my freedom to help both families right now. I think of that every time I think I should be looking for a job. 

I'm going for a couple of weeks when the our new grandson is 6wks - 8wks old so he won't have to go to daycare too early. That will be in October most likely.

The email thread above is not contrived or embellished.
Names are changed or omitted, just because.
 Is the communication between two besties?
Well, it could be, IF one defines bestie as:
Two cautious mothers-in-law who desire the
mutual best  for shared children and grandchildren.

Our Ikea run was a little disappointing. I wanted to look at several carts but they didn't have some of them in stock. I did get the one cart that I wanted for outside entertaining, but I really wanted another one for our second microwave. They have the best price and the right size. They also had other things that I wanted to look at but didn't feel I had the time. Sooooo that means another trip to Chicago haha. We are getting an Ikea but not until fall 2015 I think. 

I sure have enjoyed getting to know you two more over the recent years. AND I love the traveling companionship. Look forward to many more years. 

Hope you have a good day. Thanks again for the insights. Love,

2010's Nana/DeDe adventures begin