So Many Ideas, So Little Time

Do you ever have those times when you are just bursting with ideas, but the daily routine of life seems to get in the way?  If only I could have a snow day! 

I've started to carry a little notebook in my purse for these moments (that is in addition to the one I keep by my bed, the one in the kitchen, and the one in the desk!).  I get absolutely restless with these thoughts running circles in my mind, hardly able to stand not being able to have the time to get to them.

...And the kids are calling for second bowls of cereal...  So here I go...

This is Me

Over Christmas, I realized (not for the first time) that I am rarely in photographs.  I tend to be the one behind the camera, which is usually the way I prefer it.  My children are growing, though, and may one day wonder why Mom is never in any photos.  Because of this, I became intrigued by the idea of self-portraits.  It seems rather awkward to ask for someone to take my photo, and since I am usually the photographer anyway, I guess it makes sense that I take my own.

Time Flies

A couple of nights ago I dug out some old photo albums. It had been awhile since I'd taken the time to look through the kids' baby pictures. My son, my daughter, and I curled up on the couch with these memories on our laps. Even though I know time flies, and I feel every day how fleeting their childhood is, I was amazed at how quickly they've grown. The baby faces have turned into child faces, their eyes a little more knowing and their bodies growing.

My children were keen to talk about the things they remembered, and hear stories about the ones they didn't. The pictures speak of moments of laughter and love, smiling faces and silly ones too. Firsts: First Christmas, Halloween costumes, visits to the beach.

We will add to these albums as they grow; as time moves on, we will continue to run for the camera to captures those moments.

So we can remember,
together.

Appreciative Moments

I love my kids.

A LOT.

But when I come back from teaching photography class on Wednesday nights, and I pick them up at my parents' house, they are even cuter than ever and I adore them even more than ever.

Doing something for myself makes me happier, and more relaxed. So after I've had that little bit of me time, I am even happier to see them. And I am grateful for both of those things--those little moments that intensify my appreciation for all that I have. Most of all, I am thankful for my two sweet children whose lives have enriched my own immeasurably.

Who could ask for more than that?