:: Team-up Thursday ~ Animals ::

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While there’s certainly no short of animal references and playing around our house these days, we actually got a chance to sneak out and see some real, live animals this past week.  On Sunday, the kids and I headed to the circus with Grandma!  It was absolutely adorable to see Calder jumping and skipping with excitement after seeing the elephants before the show started.  And since it was the elephant that made the for the most memorable…er, um…”performance!” 

My fabulous and ultra-talented partner Jaimee took an outing to the zoo where she captured the most amazing shot!  Seriously, what’s not to love?  The squinty-eyed look of relaxation and I {love} the beautiful effect around the edges!

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Hopefully we’re not the only ones who feel like we live in a zoo or a circus!  See what everyone else has to share this week.  Thanks again Megan and Melody for hosting this great challenge!

:: Grounded ::

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Each day, I learn more about the ways in which He wants to permeate every aspect of my life.  He longs for my companionship in all things.  Slowly, daily, I’m learning to share with him the parts of my life that I thought were too trivial. 

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…and I pray that you being rooted and grounded in love, may have power together over all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses all knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:17-19

 

:: Sweetness ~ BSM ::

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I fully intended to have this little series up last week, but I’m kinda weird and felt like I wanted to wait until after his “official” birthday to share this sweetness.  What?  You’ve seen them already?  Oh, yeah…Flickr! 🙂  I remember last year when he sort of “got” what the birthday thing was all about.  This year, it was more of the same.  He so enjoyed having all his friends come to play – something we need to do more regularly if you ask me!

Typically, my best shot is at the end of a post, but this one, this precious look of excitement and joy as his family and friends sing him “Happy Birthday” – it has to be my best shot this week! 

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In fact, I couldn’t resist looking a little closer at his adorable expression…seriously, who couldn’t love this kid?! 🙂

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He had great fun blowing out his candles.  And with his party being a full week before the actual day, we had to something to celebrate the occasion.  So he got a candle in his cereal (before milk, mind you), a cookies from good friends, and a candle in his pizza that night for dinner.  I do think we’ve created a monster though, because this morning he declared it candle-in-my-Kix day again.  I explained it was just a special thing we do for birthdays and thankfully he was good with that! 🙂

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The much-anticipated eating of the T-Rex cake!  He finally decided on a piece of the teeth. 

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Since I try to take advantage of any opportunity that allows us to get a family picture without the use of the self-timer or remote control, a birthday celebration seemed perfect!  I find it funny that in too many pictures our kids are busy looking every-which-way…while we’re desperately trying to stay positive and focused in one direction.  Perhaps it’s because we’ve started reading a very symbolic book with my students, but I’m thinking there’s some life application to be found in this picture…

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…then again, maybe not. 

See what’s what for other Best Shots this week!

:: He’s Turning… ::

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Three

I can scarcely begin to think of any words to adequately capture all that is my pre-schooler!  More often than not, I have to remind myself that he is in fact a toddler, despite the fact that words like therapod, omnivore, and diplodocus are frequently thrown around with surprising accuracy.  And I’m learning, albeit slowly, that certain things I think are funny for a moment end up completely ridiculous when dealing with a kid who seems to forget very little.  So you see, while I thought it would be funny to hear him say “flatulate” (because we’ve already agreed to be a “toot” household as opposed to “fart”) well, now it’s nestled nicely amongst his other everyday phrases. 

While he soaks up the world around him like an absolute sponge, the slight misunderstandings and imagination that make me stop and smile are the very things that I adore, and will so desperately miss when he grows out of this stage.

C: I go to the doctor.
M: You sure do, buddy. Your doctor’s name is Dr. Israel.
C: {quietly thinking} Yeah. ‘Cuz he’s not pretend.

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C: {mouth full from the backseat} Mom! My -nds all d-n—ry!
M: {tentatively} they’re what?
C: {emphatically} di-n-sry!
M: dinosaury?
D: What’s “dinosaury?”
C: You know, when you eat dino grahams and you’re hands get all “dinosaury!”
M: {to Dad, quietly} duh?! dinosaury, Dad!

You are becoming such a couragous and kind-hearted boy.  Whether you’re busy exploring the yard for creatures and treasures (and of course testing the boundaries) or offering kisses, hugs and congratulations to your sister for a job well done.  You listen intently and ask a million questions, which is both exhausting and exhilarating. 

Looking back over this past year, I’m astounded by how much you’ve grown.  With all the changes on the horizon – new friends, starting school, summer fun – I can only imagine how much more you’ll change right before my eyes.  Today, more than ever, I am reminded of the blessing of you.  Happy Birthday, Buddy!

Love,
Mom