Let It Snow | Everyday Moments No. 5

The weather in our neck of the woods is anything but "normal." We go from one extreme to the other in a matter of days hours seconds...and I'm NOT exaggerating, y'all! Well, for the most part anyway. To add to the drama, we've often been told of approaching storms and winds, and instead we see sun and 85 degrees. No joke! I just never know what to expect around here.

So when the meteorologist declared that a "SNOW STORM" was heading our direction last week, we welcomed it with open arms. Not because I like the fluffy white stuff...in fact, I rather despise it due to its marriage with freezing temperatures..., but more because we just haven't seen much snow this year. Yes, it's been quite cold. Down right bone-chilling, really, but no snow. If it's going to be frigid outside, it might as well snow. At least the scenery would be pleasing to the eye.

When school was cancelled due to 7"+ of snow appearing overnight, we all headed outdoors! Some because we had to...and some because it sounded like fun! To my surprise, it was actually quite warm...well, as warm as one would expect during this time of year.

It's the first snow the boys have really seen, and the baby (and yes, I still to refer to him as a baby as I will continue to do so well into his 30s) was quite beside himself. Not sure if he should love this fluffy stuff that covered his playground or if he should cry while running for some warmth and shelter.

At one point, I peered over my shoulder and caught the boys looking quite suspicious. The look in their eyes just said it all (see photo of the two above for evidence)! Two peas in a pod. "Hey, bro. Whatcha doin'? Sounds good. Don't let mommy see. She told us to stay out of the mud. Just this one time. She'll never know. We'll just hide the mud and worms in our boots. She'll never see it there."

And why do my kids find it necessary to immediately do a face-plant into the snow? What is it that draws them in like a mosquito to a bug zapper? Those tendencies send up flashing signals reminding me to add the movie "The Christmas Story" to my never-let-the-children-watch-before-they're-legal-to-drive list. I'm pretty certain one of them would be more than eager to double-dog dare the other to stick their tongue to a frozen pole in the middle of winter. It would not end well.
 

Overall, we had a blast as we enjoyed some fort-building, snow throwing, and downhill sledding fun! Seeing how the temps were expected to rise in a few days (and they did), we thought it's now or never! Spring is just around the corner, right?!

*Once again, I'm taking part of a blog circle that is showcasing some talented women and their art reflecting on their everyday moments. So continue on to Christine's blog and say hello. You won't be disappointed! Enjoy!

Click here to continue on your journey with the amazing Everyday Moments blog circle by visiting Christine!

Everyday Moments | No. 2

Shocking.  Heart-breaking.  Unfathomable. 

The tragedy that occurred yesterday is difficult to grasp.  Innocent lives were lost.  Families are mourning.  Countless tears are being shed.

As the news poured in, I kept thinking it was all a dream.  This really couldn't be happening, right? 

How could it be possible? 

For some, the day began with little minds yearning to know what Santa might bring.  Beautifully wrapped presents were under the tree awaiting for the special day to arrive.  Time of togetherness filled with love and laughter was just around the corner.

Then, it happened.

In a blink of an eye everything changed.

I can't even imagine what they endured.  Those brave, beautiful, wonderful souls. 

There are no words. 

Only tears.

As I try to process the event as it unfolds, I'm taking a moment to reflect.  A moment to hug, to laugh, to cherish those special times that I tend to take for granted.

I'll embrace the gooey kisses. 

I'll look at the world through their eyes.  Find the beauty in everything.

I won't hesitate to share just one more hug when time doesn't allow.

Life is precious.  Life is sacred.  Life is meant to be lived. 

As I swoop up my children and squeeze them ever so tightly, my prayers go out to each and every family and friend that was affected by yesterday's tragedy. To those incredibly brave teachers, staff and students, my heart and prayers are with all of you. 

The innocence of youth. 

 

The world is an amazing place.

Beauty abounds.  Life is simple.  Life is now.

 

May they stay forever young.

 

Once again, I'm taking part in a blog circle that is sharing special moments captured through photography.  Click here to continue on this photographic journey by visiting Kristin's blog.

Images can speak louder than words.

Everyday Moments | No. 1

I have yet another confession to make.  No, I did not burn down the house while making macaroni and cheese.  No, I did not drive the van through the front of the garage...or at least not yet. 

Rather, my passion for photography is growing exponentially! I'm in love with images that showcase the natural and simple joys of life.  Ya know, the everyday moments that sometimes get overlooked.  Throughout the past year, photographing life...especially through the eyes of my children...has become my outlet.  It's a way to freeze time forever. Kids grow so quickly, and photography has a way of capturing a single moment and stopping time indefinitely (or at least until a wild dog reaps havoc on my SD cards and hard drive!)

I have SO much to learn in terms of photography, and maybe one day I'll have it mastered!  I'm not crossing my fingers, though.  This might prove to be more difficult than passing Organic Chemistry during my college years. 

In my endeavour to learn more about photography, I've become part of a blog circle. A few of us women (moms and photographers) have joined together to share our everyday moments. A glimpse into our lives...a moment that's frozen in time.

This group is full of some astounding photographers! They give me inspiration, and I wanted to share their talents with all of you. If you follow our circle, you'll venture through nine other posts that showcase the everyday lives of wonderful photographers.  The circle should lead you back here...ya know, like a circle!  Crazy, huh?!

I'll start off by sharing a few of my attempts of capturing the simple things...the everyday moments.

A sleeping child.  A time when you sit in awe and wonder, which may be overcome by a pure sense of exhaustion as you drift off to sleep next to the child.  Or so I've heard.

The above photo was taken while he was actually sleeping.  I KNOW!  When does he ever sleep?  Light source:  Cell phone!  Those little devices are just full of endless possibilities!

And sometimes this boy slows down just long enough for me to sneak up and grab a quick shot!


And let me preface the following image...NO ONE was hurt in the process of capturing this moment.  He was merely saddened by the fact that he is too young to gallivant around with a marker.  How will he ever exhibit his Picasso-like talents with his mama interfering?  Anyway, it was just a brief instance where he was pouty, and my camera was already in use.  Yes, I missed the focus a bit, but I couldn't resist sharing! 

 

So why don't you sit back and relax?  Click on through the blog circle and enjoy some beautiful artwork created by some wonderful photographers.  Continue on this little journey by linking to Kim's blog.  You can thank me later!  Seriously, she is an amazing infant and child photographer...able to capture life as it truly is.  Wonderfully beautiful, really! 

You can find her blog here.

*If you're a lover of art or an inspiring photographer, follow through the Everyday Moments blog circle and show some love.  You'll be glad you did.