Best Shot Monday ~ Priceless

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I’ve joked before about how difficult it is to fit a full-time job into an already full-time schedule.  So one would think that by going to a part-time work schedule I would have oodles of “free” time to write, read, reflect, oh and if you bother to stop by here anymore…blog!  In fact, I’m finding that the balance is much easier to strike, but I’m also spending more time choosing to be an active participant in the goings-on. 

While I’ve been taken lots of pictures there haven’t been as many of my two favorite subjects as of late.  However, these two…they just make me laugh and cry at the very same time!  Sometimes I feel as if my heart will actually break because it is constantly being stretched to accommodate the capacity of love I have for my kids. 

Even though her expression is a little silly, I just adore this picture of my lovely little lady – taken a few weeks ago at my cousin’s homecoming football game. 

Flower Hat

And Calder…he’s becoming quite the little man.  Here, he was playing with his coffee stirrer straw and spinning around to get “busy” – I think he was trying to see himself.  I’m quite certain that he’s laying a great foundation for his dad to trick him into trying to see his ear in a few years!

Busy

Be sure to spin over to Tracey’s for more Best Shots today!

Best Shot Monday ~ Wishing

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I never could have predicted the full range of raw emotion that motherhood would elicit.  Protectiveness – sure, I expected that.  Yet I’m finding the line between meeting their every need and catering to their momentary wants.  Watching them play, my heart swells with both excitement at the fun they’re having, at the memories being built.

Then I see the longing in his eyes as he scans the area for one of the coveted fishy squirt toys.  Looking to the water, his eyes quickly survey the sad scene that all the toys have been claimed.  (I can’t help but point out the full net in the background of this picture!). 

Gardens 6

Then he spies a fellow water-parker with some fishies in her net.  The little expression on his face and my memory of how nonchalantly he hoped to get his hands on one of those toys, makes me want to laugh and cry.  I’m so thankful and proud that he wasn’t knocking kids over to get what he wanted, yet I desperately want only the best for my precious kids.  Shortly after this moment, I went on the search myself.  When I returned with a terrific purple octopus, I was already awaiting the excited squeals.  Much to my surprise, he dismissed it with barely a second glance and continued longing for a fish.  It had to be a fish. 

Gardens 7

I realized then, though it’s a lesson I’ve far from mastered, that my role in this life, my job and awesome responsibility, isn’t always to provide the very thing that gives them temporary joy.  Rather, in the face of disappointment and desire, to lead them through those impulses and toward a more lasting fulfillment.  Today, these are both my very best shots.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Good Times at the Gardens

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Earlier this year, we took a trip to Meijer Gardens to see their butterfly exhibit, and just shy of heading outside to explore, it started raining, so we headed home.  It wasn’t until later this summer that I discovered the treasure that is the Children’s Garden!  A few friends and I met for a playdate and I knew we had to go back.  As our final weekend of summer, we headed their the Friday of Labor Day weekend to take in the last days of the Alexander Calder art exhibit.  While he isn’t necessarily Calder’s namesake, it’s still too cool to miss! 

Textured Squinting

If you think a little thing like not being able to walk is stopping her from literally soaking up all the fun she could possibly have…well, you’ve got another thing coming!  Little Miss had a fantastic time.  I can only imagine how much fun she’ll have throughout the coming year!

Gardens 8

Gardens 5

Gardens 4

I spent too much time getting just the right picture in front of the Calder sculpture at the Gardens….and was thrilled with this result.  It was only after several minutes of shooting (while Garth and Seneca walked ahead) that we learned this wasn’t in fact, a Calder.  *sigh*  Regardless, I have to say I love these two shots!

Gardens 3

Gardens 2

Playing with my new zoom lens…and The American Horse sculpture was a pretty sweet subject!

Gardens 1

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Gardens 9

Calder Exhibit 1

My finger was just itching to snap a few dozen pictures of the amazing artifacts we saw at the exhibit, but understandably, photographs are not allowed.  Thankfully, there was a hands-on aspect to the exhibit where it was permissible to snap some pictures…I love the concentration here as he constructs his own mobile. 

Calder Exhibit 3

Calder Exhibit 5

Calder Exhibit 4

Calder Exhibit 7

Calder Exhibit 6

Calder Exhibit 2

I suppose this is more a Wordful Wednesday than Wordless Wednesday, but either way….hope yours is happy!

Best Shot Monday ~ Sweet Success

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Tomato 2

It seemed like such a long wait, but last week we finally had some ripe tomatoes.  Calder has been eyeing them for weeks, and couldn’t wait to bite into one.  After slicing some up for B.L.T.s this week, I realized why he was so into them – they are crazy sweet!  Here’s hoping to a few more delicious caprese salads before it gets too cold around these parts!

I suppose tonight also marks the official “end” of summer since our first teacher workday is tomorrow.  I guess that means my late-night blogging bonanzas are coming to an abrupt halt!  I’m sure I’ll still have a few things to say here and there, so don’t go too far! 🙂