Crystal, remember this kairos moment.

“You should watch Ashlyn dance the most beautiful dance, Mom.  I don’t know where she learned all those dances but it’s beautiful.” ~ Evyn, munching on a bowl of apples while watching her little sister freestyle to a Veggie Tales soundtrack.

* * *

I found it tough to drag out my camera this winter.  I don’t typically work for clients during the winter months, opting instead to use the time for the kids’ birthdays, Christmas, and just plain holing up in the house and spending time re-evaluating.  One thing I know: I am going through this odd grieving period – a place of sadness as I watch my children’s legs stretch out of their clothes.  Their faces look a little less chubby.  And although I keep referring to him as such, I know in my head that Cam is not a baby anymore, although I catch myself doing whatever I can to stretch this short time with him just. a little. longer.  And at the same time I am going through a growth stage of my own with photography.  Well, with everything really.  It’s an exciting place to be.

I recently got my camera back from maintenance.  And I decided to just start carrying it with me everywhere.  For a while anyway.  As part of my meditation.  My staying in the moment.  It’s there for me to snap a picture and say, “this happened.”  Something as simple as what Little Man looks like when I look over my shoulder at him in the car (okay, the MINIVAN.  I hate that word.).

Don’t be surprised in the slightest if you see me juggling a toddler, a cup of Starbucks, AND my camera at Target.   Seriously, don’t make fun of me.  I know I’m an easy target on a normal day, lawdhelpme.

A couple of weeks ago I shared my oldest daughter’s Christmas gift to her teachers - a note written to each of her teachers.  I thought I’d put together a pdf download for those of you who like “stuff to print” as much as I do and are looking for something special for Valentines Day!  This was a hit with the teachers – I think they have enough coffee mugs.  It turns out what they really want is school supplies or a note of thanks.  And cash.  When I polled some teacher-friends they said they would never turn down cash.

I’m no designer so cut me some slack.

Oh, and – question 3 isn’t meant to be ambiguous – just “circle one.”  Use the white space for a “note from a grateful mother” or your child’s proud drawing/note/favorite joke/etcetera!   DOWNLOAD THE PDF HERE 

It’s like taking a pin out of the grenade - that moment one of your darlings throws up on you.  The countdown begins and you steady yourself for your fate.

It’s been 15 hours and so far so good.  But I’m standing ready.

A couple of fun ideas for grandmas who live far from the “grands.”  Courtesy today’s technology.

Skype.  What a fun way to chit-chat!  I can’t believe we haven’t done it sooner…

Youtube.  Yes, Youtube.  My mom found this idea on Pinterest and I think it’s fun.  Short videos with cooking lessons.

I did not get my mom’s permission to post this video.  Which makes it all that more awesome that I’m posting.  (if you saw the stuff she made me wear in school you’d appreciate this moment)

My oldest is in first grade this year.  And becoming more fluent at reading and writing by the day.  For a teacher gift this Christmas we decided to do a “words of encouragement” gift for the teacher and the assistant (I did something similar for my mom for a birthday gift last year and she loved it).  I thought I’d share the idea here for those of you who do valentine notes for your teachers.  We folded and tucked these into pencil boxes with glue sticks, erasers, and a few other supplies.

The light was “eh” in the kitchen that morning so forgive the crappy images.  And the crumbs.  Please forgive those crumbs.  I thought about cropping them out but it dawned on me that I don’t see near enough crumbs and dirt on blogs these days.

I wish I hadn’t waited until the very. last. minute. to do this little project.  These questions were definitely pre-coffee.

Come to think of it, I’m still drawing a blank on better fill-in-the-blanks.  If you have suggestions, please share!  Maybe I can put together a little printable for you to download and use.

It was infectious, the way they laughed and enjoyed each other.  If you know them, their session sums it up.  Such sweet portraits of an honestly funny, athletic, and kind family.

This is a McDonald’s hamburger and half a “Wowbutter” sandwich taking front seat in the car that only took him three minutes after purchase to destroy.  All it needs is a plastic bag hung from the window and it would be perfect for the shoulder of Hwy 64.

Of my three I think I could write a post about you every day and use no words.  The entire story is always on your face.

Today, this sweet haircut you gave yourself.  All of those beautiful bangs.  Chopped off.   I was angry for a few minutes, but have learned to let the little things go.  And later you came up to me with those puppy eyes and stood next to me with your arm around me: “but you still love me.”  Thank goodness - thank goodness you really hear me when I tell you that.  That you could never do anything that would make me not love you.

And today you showed me your “tricks.”  This is your new love – to show us cool tricks.  These tricks of yours are some translation of gymnastics, breakdancing, and an almost-four-year-old’s sheer joyful heart:

Thank you for all the preciousness.  Your precious cool tricks and those precious striped leggings and sparkly shoes.  And even that sweet, precious haircut.  It actually makes me smile every time I see you.

You are the bomb diggity.

Meet Christie – I think she might be my red-haired, Southern twin.  Thanks for humoring my questions, Christie!  From our most recent chat:

I remember a few moments during our session where you were sitting apart from the kids, watching them play with their dad.  And you were contented and smiling – you said something about this being your Year of Jubilee.  Do share.

Last year – 2010 – was a really difficult year.  The worst year of my life so far.  I honestly wondered if I had done something to make God unhappy – it almost felt like it must be a punishment.   At some point, though, I had a moment of clarity.  And it was confirmed when friends from church came over and said God had these words for me – that this would be my Year of Jubilee.  The word sort of tickled me – “jubilee.”  But basically she was saying that this would be our year of favor and I took it to heart.  It was like permission to move forward and dream again.

Faith is the evidence of things not seen.  I decided to walk in it [my year of jubilee], even before I felt it.  That’s one of the reasons that we decided this was the year to do pictures.   I would have normally been more frazzled at the session but I had a peace about it.   Even down to that yellow dress.  An hour before our session I had nothing picked out.  And then I put that on and Peter said you look pretty and I even felt pretty, and that’s just not something I say about myself.

Things are just really…good for us now.

And three boys – is it really as difficult as some imagine?  I mean, do you get a lot of comments about it in public?

Yes, and it bothers me.  I want people to know that children are a blessing.  I only know boys because I only have boys.  Sometimes I think people are limited in their thinking about boys; honestly, when I think about my boys I see their potential.  I am teaching my boys to be Godly leaders…and people should be grateful for that.  I think it’s an honor to have boys.   [pause]  And they’re so sweet…they love their mommas.

Do you have any parting words?

No.

Honest.  Love it.  Seriously…twin.

Oh…and, Christie?

VOGUE.