WHAT IS THE “BEHIND THE SCENES” LINK UP?
Social media and online relationships can make us feel like everyone else has it all together. We’re edited, proof-read, Pinterest-perfect versions of ourselves (or so some might think!) when – in reality? There is an unfinished pile of laundry around the corner. That cute toddler smiling for the camera just had a massive meltdown seconds ago. That yummy breakfast-for-dinner you just showed us on Instagram? It’s because the cat licked the chicken that was supposed to be for dinner.
“Behind the Scenes” is a fun link up where we show those photos – but tell the real story behind them. The sneak peek behind the scenes, a look past the edges of the photo to the real life behind it.
The Photo:
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| Interesting things to note: my husband & I both have significantly more hair in these photos. Also, the juxtaposition of these photos makes me laugh 🙂 |
The Story:
I decided to share a bit of a “throwback” with you this week. When we were in high school and college, our parents were kind enough to let us have our friends over for the holidays to eat good food, laugh a lot, and just have fun. I’m not sure I can tell you why we chose to have a Boys vs. Girls Gingerbread House contest (or what the boys were doing in that photo), but I know we had a great time.
I look at these photos now and see couples who have been married for more than 7 years, 9 children, major career changes, moves hours away and a lot of…life. It’s been nearly 9 years since this photo was taken. The dining room table is still in that same spot at my parent’s house. The gingerbread houses long since discarded, the gatherings no longer occur. Some things have stayed the same, while others have changed dramatically.
If I’m honest, we don’t see some of these friends anymore. It’s been years since we made plans to get together, long before the excuses of children and naptimes and schedules closed down our calendars. Sometimes, life just changes.
And some of those friends? I see them weekly – not to go out to dinner like we once did (good grief, can you imagine the money we spent on THAT?), but to meet over Google Hangout to do book studies and catch up on life in the leftover hours of our days.
That dining room table at my parents house is the first “bench” I remember – the place friends came to gather, to talk, to laugh and make memories. The occupants and the venue have changed over the years, and we haven’t figured out a way to do a gingerbread house contest on a Hangout (yet), but we’re still meeting, making memories, and having fun.
And if you ask me, I’m pretty sure the girls won the contest 😉
Alright friends! It’s your turn to link up. Now, remember the number one rule of linkys- make sure you visit the person who linked up before you & leave them a little love on their post! (even if you just say “hey! great photo – stopping over from Crystal Stine’s blog!…it’s ok..you can copy/paste that. I won’t tell.)
lol yes..that is an ‘opposites attract’ thing I guess…and those guys still make us laugh!
it was definitely a fun time 🙂
lol that’s amazing!
I’ve felt that guilt too often myself! You are sweet to think after me, it’s been a roller coaster but God is good 🙂
“different, but still us” – oh that’s beautiful!
It was, right?!
Hey! No theme each week, I just pick a photo (either one from the previous week or an “oldie but a goodie”) and tell the story surrounding it – the real life behind the “picture perfect” image 🙂
Hi Crystal I just love these Behind the scenes posts. This was one was awesome. Do you have a theme each week or do you just choose a photo and give the story behind it?
Love it! Those are such awesome memories to carry and hold… Life does change and its impossible to keep up with everyone… but the memories they get to stay forever and they become part of your story. And… Of course the girls one… yours was WAAAAAAAYYYYY prettier!
IT’s amazing to look back and see forever friends and how life at times seperates us, but then brings us back together again…different, but still us 🙂 Beautiful words sweet friend!
🙂 Love this throwback. For a long time, I struggled with not being able
to keep up with relationships…but like you said, life just changes. That’s
why memories are so beautiful. How are you, friend? Been thinking of
you lately…hope you’re having a great week! 🙂
2004. Wow… what a gem! I realized while looking at these two photos – if you and Carolyn or Matt and Mark would have switched places, the “couples” would have been matched up almost perfectly in each shot. Hilarious!
I love looking at old photos and reminiscing about those times when we were care free. Thanks for sharing the memories!
What great memories to have!! Love the difference between the guys and girls in this picture 🙂 Classic.