Organizing Pictures Take One, You Only Paint The Picture Once

A while back my mother-in-law asked me if I would organize her pictures into books.  Why would she ask me to do this?  Is it because she knows I love to organize stuff?  Is it because she knows I probably will get it all done by Christmas?  Whatever the reason, I am honored that she would hand over her priceless possessions to me.  Katie, Aaron, Stephanie and I have enjoyed looking through all the pictures.  Some remind us of stories that we want to re-tell, some remind us of things that make us laugh and some pull on our heart strings as we choke back tears.  It's been a pleasure to do this task. 

Most of the old pictures from the 1930's to 1970's I have needed help on identifying people.  When I come across one that stumps me, I scan it, email it to Pat (my mother-in-law) so she can give me names.  Most of the time, along with names I also get a few sentences of what was going on at the time the picture was taken.  She has an amazing memory.  She recalls so many details, like the date, what town the picture was taken in and if it's a picture of her pregnant with one of her five children, she can tell you how many month's pregnant she was in that particular picture!  Crazy huh?  Well, that's how she rolls!  

Along with emailing them to Pat, I also email them to Steve.  He is my brother-in-law who is blessed with the talent of making slideshows with Windows Media Player.  He picks just the right song to add to the pictures too.  He originally made a 33 minutes slideshow with lots of songs and at least 300 pictures in it.  I guess this was too much for Youtube to handle or I am just not experienced enough with their programs to get it to work.  So Steve graciously took the time to break down the slideshow into smaller pieces, or shorts, to use his terminology!

The one I want to post first has a song on it by Alabama titled, You Only Paint The Picture Once.  Here are the words:

Look at those evening shadows casting a peaceful light
The sun is disappearing
Its a beautiful sight
Moments caught forever
By the masters touch
A lasting reminder to us

You only paint the picture once
You only get one chance

Take the time to do your best
While the brush is in your hand
Make sure it's just right
Before the colors dry
You can't change it once its done
You only paint the picture once
Love is the canvas
That's where it all starts
A lifetime together
Becomes a work of art

Just look whats been created
Between your heart and mine
Oh I believe that we're one of a kind
You only paint the picture once
And you only get one chance
Take the time to do your best
While the brush is in your hand
Make sure it's just right
Before the colors dry
You can't change it's once its done

You only paint the picture once
It's the portrait of life
You cant live it twice
You only paint the picture once

Here's the video, grab a tissue, sit back and enjoy............