Category Archives: {F}amily

Read more about the goings-on of our fabulous foursome!

:: Team-up Thursday ~ Moment in Time ::

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When I Jaimee suggested the Moment in Time theme for this week, I was really intrigued.  I already knew where I’d be and began thinking about how I would go about capturing a shot in the middle of our church service without it being considered rude or inappropriate. 

It was interesting too, how much the specific details of the task made it feel much clearer, but no less creative and interpretive.  even better…when I saw Jaimee’s awesome shot I was thrilled with both the similarities and stark differences between the two.  Perhaps my favorite connection between the two is how I was in a church service in Michigan hearing a sermon about the importance of the fellowship of believers…and Jaimee was in Texas enjoying such fellowship. 

moment in time dip

Hosted by Megan and Melody.

:: Wordless Wednesday ~ Our Feathered Friends ::

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An impromptu stop to feed the ducks resulted in two happy kiddos!  Calder kept saying, “Mom this is amazing!”

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Can I just say how much I love those chunky little legs…and here she was so excited about throwing her bread that she kept saying “Throw!  Throw!”  I think we’ve found what will fast become a favorite summer activity!

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:: Team-up Thursday ~ Unknown ::

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Is it just me, or have the days and weeks been passing unbelievably fast?  Seriously, when I emailed Jaimee yesterday to check about a theme, I was in denial that it was just one day before our team-up challenge.  As it was, we opted for the theme of unknown, and don’t ya know – it totally works.  I’m always in awe of the way she captures a subject that might be considered ordinary and creates art.  Simply gorgeous!

My shot today is one of too many I captured last weekend when tragedy struck our extended family.  Saturday night, we got word that my aunt and uncle’s house was on fire.  After a few frantic hours of phone calls and eventually finding them nearby at a friend’s birthday party.  Of course, we are blessed that no one was injured and while we know full well that it isn’t about material possessions, it doesn’t make the loss of so many collected treasures and the memories attached to each piece of artwork, photo or family heirloom any less heartbreaking. 

Today, I’m asking a special favor that after sneaking a peek at this image, you offer up a prayer for strength, comfort and encouragement for their family.  There are so many unknowns that lie ahead of them, and I pray that they are able to see that like this tiny tree which bears the scars of this ordeal…it’s still there, reaching toward heaven searching for and yet filled with hope.

Hosted by Megan and Melody

:: BSM ~ Circus ::

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So I realized that aside from our little Team-up Challenge, I never posted the handful of other pics I snapped at our circus adventure a few weeks ago.  Besides the fact that G had to stay home to keep an eye on our pooch which meant Grandma was able to come instead, it was an all-around good experience.

Calder was fascinated as I would have predicted.  His jumping and squealing from the time he caught his first glimpse of the elephants until we found our seats was hilarious.  Seneca on the other hand, she was just a handful.  Truthfully, she wasn’t ill-behaved, just restless and fidgety which is also precisely as I would have predicted. 

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I expected the elephants to be the biggest hit (pun completely intended!).  My little man didn’t disappoint.  He LOVED them.  And if I had any high hopes that he’d be above all the poop and fart humor that tend to entertain boys of all ages, they were dashed when he exclaimed – “Look Mom!  The elephants are pooping!  That’s funny!”   For a full week post-circus there were different variations of “elephant pooping” being re-enacted all around the house.  Thankfully without the benefit of real “props!” 

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We had excellent seats and Calder l-o-v-e-d seeing all the animals.  Personally, I found myself a bit torn between thinking it was impressive and a little sad.  I always remember being captivated by the excitement of the circus and this time, perhaps through adult eyes, it seemed so much more commercial.  At one point the ring-master was doing his little “advertising plug” for all the doo-dads they’re peddling.  I expected that.  But it went on throughout the show almost to the point that I felt like I was in a spoof movie where everything was over-the-top cheesy.  All in all, I’d call it a success.  But I think that when it comes to family entertainment we’ll be searching for other activities to top our list.  Since I can scarcely pick a favorite of this series, I’m leaving it up to you to decide which shot you’d vote as best for this fine Monday.

OK, so I’m curious if you’d weigh in on another topic for me today as well.  I don’t love the theme and layout I’ve got going on here right now, but I found this one to allow me to use bigger images.  It looks totally fine on my computer at home, but in other places, it looks a little weird and ill-positioned.  Just wondered what it’s looking like for some of you!  Thanks! 🙂