Tag Archives: BSM

Best Shot Monday ~ Perfect Present

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In a perfect world, this post would have appeared a few weeks ago – you know, right about the time school started back again after the holiday break, a couple weeks before grades were due, smack dab in the middle of horrible Michigan winter weather, and an altogether low-point emotionally speaking.  So, suffice it to say I don’t reside in a perfect world, and I’m guessing most of you don’t either.

With a few sane moments sprinkled amidst the chaos, I think I’ve managed to claw my way to the surface long enough to recognize that without preciousness such as this, without the gift of a God greater than I can comprehend, my life would be vastly different.

Perfect Present 2

Perfect Present

Check out others’ Best Shots this last January Monday.

Best Shot Monday ~ Wonder

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What a difference a year makes!  From the wary glances shot around the room to the less-than-thrilled attempts at pulling out tissue paper and crinkling the festive wrappings we now have a very intent toddler.  His eagerness and interest are still thoughtful as they have not yet turned into the frenzied tearing and thankless playing that I fear may be lurking somewhere, waiting to emerge at the next birthday or holiday.

From across the room I can only image what words of encouragement Daddy’s whispering to him as he searches for the perfect place to begin the unveiling.  Perhaps he too senses my unspoken desire and is offering sentiments that instill thoughtfulness, gratitude and patience. 

Calder and Dad

Slowly, he pulls back the wrappings and shares the joy with those who found joy in giving.  This was the manner in which he opened most of his gifts.

Presents

I’m not sure what he was watching here.  It may have been wrestling cousins or uncles or crisp white snow piling up outside the patio door.  Whatever it was, I adore his expression.  The innocence and excitement, the near disbelief that he gets to have this much fun.  That he is surrounded by so much love, generosity, and happiness. 

When life gets to be too much to handle and the weight of responsibility rests heavily upon my shoulders, I pray that this image of freedom and joy will help me find my center.  And for you, my precious boy, I long for your wonder to grow as you continue to learn about the true meaning of Christmas and one day accept for yourself, the greatest gift ever given! 

Christmas Wonder

This is my best shot today.  To see what is brightening the lives of others this week, head on over to Tracey’s.

Slippery Slope ~ Best Shot Monday

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As much fun as we had cavorting with friends and family over this past week, there’s something to be said for coming home.  We’ve managed to put away most of our clothes and have de-decorated all but the snow stuff which we figured can keep the house festive through the long months of winter, though by the looks of things around here, we’re in a much different place weather-wise than we were a week ago!  Yup, when we pulled in last night we could see mulch in our gardens!  Gotta love Michigan!

I knew it would happen – the blogging lull that was bound to occur once I returned to work.  Believe me, it’s not for lack of great content!  There’s been so much happening around here!  Seneca continues to belly laugh and just loves it when people give her their undivided attention.  She’s consistently rolling from belly to back and isn’t screaming through tummy time anymore.  Her tracking is right on and she’s gaining more control over her hands now too!  Calder, well, he’s just a big bundle of change these days.  I swear within the past week he’s learned 40-50 new words, many of them names.  His comprehension of two- and sometimes three-step requests is amazing, as is his imagination.  What’s his favorite gift, you ask?  That would be the plates, cups, and measuring set from Tia Gretchen!  He’s all about serving pancakes and coffee!  Then again, he’s done his fair share of bootie shakin’ with his new microphone too. 

I have way too many pictures to share this week, so not all of them will be “featured” in a specific post.  This little series is one of my favorites.  Our family in da north know how to make a sleddin’ hill!  Three launches and a tow rope make it great afternoon activity!  Here’s our run down the big launch!  The best part is that the day was so mild that I didn’t worry about having him out in the weather!

Ready…

Mom and C Sledding 2

Set…

Mom and C Sledding 3

Go!

Mom and C Sledding

The last one is my very best shot this Monday! How fun! For other best shots, swing by Tracey’s.

Color ~ Best Shot Monday

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We made it home safe and sound…with most of our belongings.  I’m reserving that story for later this week.  You know, when you can look back and laugh because it all worked out.  Perhaps it will tie into what I’m thankful for this week too. 

I’m also glad to be back in the land of free Internet!  Turns out we weren’t charged for our connection, but I did learn that there was even a “better” fee at the conference center – $5.95 every 15 minutes!  Seriously!  What’s crazier is the fact that meandering through downtown Saturday we found at least 5-10 quaint little spots where we could connect for free. 

I love the color I got to soak up while on this trip.  Here’s a shot of the sparkly reflections from the lighted riverwalk – I guess we were just a week early for the amazing every-tree-is-lit shindig.  It was gorgeous nonetheless!

Riverwalk

I remember reading this article a few weeks ago, hoping I’d get a chance to capture a great image on my upcoming trip to Texas.  Thankfully, I was traveling with some super great gals who made managing my 3-month-old and all her paraphernalia so much easier.  They even indulged me a few moments here and there to snap a quick shot or two.

Here are two from our trip to San Antonio.  Aren’t the colors great?  I love the wispy clouds here too.

Horizon 2

While this one is a little plainer (is that a word?) it speaks to me.  So this is my best shot for this week.

Horizon 1

For more best shots this week, head on over to Tracey’s.

Reality Check ~ Best Shot Monday

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I know this is coming in just under the wire…as I mentioned earlier, once I head back to work I’m bound to have a few sparse tumbleweeds blowing through these parts.  At least then my virtual “home” will resemble my real home in the amount of cobwebs adorning the corners!

In any case, I’ve had these images up in my photostream for a few days at least, and I just had to pull them out as my best shots this week.  This is, in part, because they remind me that just last week we were outside in shorts and t-shirts enjoying an evening on the deck, and today I pulled out hats, mittens and winter coats to bundle up before heading into town.  Thankfully the light dusting of snow that graced the ground quickly melted away – I’m just not quite ready for that yet!

Calder was proudly naming his facial features while I was changing yet another poopy diaper, and when he got to his nose, he did this…

Double Barrel

And Seneca, well, she’s growing like a weed despite the fact that she spits up at least 50% of every feeding! She’s quite the urpy baby, but thankfully she’s what the doctor reported as “a happy spitter.” I just love the glistening bit of spittle on her chubby cheeks here!

Sweet Spitter

These daily doses of reality – the unrefined and silly moments of motherhood – that remind me to slow down and enjoy the ride!

Check out other best shots today at Tracey’s.