Monday, May 15, 2006

Happy Mother's Day

I always love my kids... but there are those moments, you know the ones, where you're totally IN love with your kids. That moment comes when you love the fact you're a parent, you're so happy that God gave you these creatures to brighten your life every day in every way and you realize that they're growing up quickly... and that makes you sad.

I had ones of those moments last week, during the "Mother's Tea" in my oldest daughter's 1st grade classroom. I don't get to spend too much alone time with her, as she's in school full-time now and when she's home, so is her little sister. So just mommy came to the tea and the class put on quite a show! Songs, poems, presents, stories and, of course, tea.

My daughter was so excited for this day to come, talked about it all week and prepared me for some of the activities that were going to take place. And when I was actually in the classroom she was so proud to show me around the room (even though I'm there several times a month to help the teacher or pick up my daughter, etc.) and read me her writing journal.

And I had that moment. The one where I looked at my "baby" and realized how fast she's growing up and how she's becoming a beautiful, independent girl. Yet she still wants to sit on my lap during the story time and she was hoping I'd cry during her teacher's reading of "I'll Love You Forever". (I did...)

Happy Mother's Day to anyone who is a mother or has a mother! Remember to document your stories and feelings for your mom, about your mom or because you're a mom.

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Thoughts... as I turn another year older



Here is a picture of me, 34 years ago today, on my 3rd birthday. My parents still have all my baby, toddler and school-age pictures. Some day I'd like to take them and turn them into scrapbooks, mostly so that I can journal the stories, events and importance of my childhood. I'd like to use my parents as a resource for things I can't remember. And, I'd like to do this all for my kids.

It may sound a little self-serving to do a whole album about me, but I keep putting myself in my daughters' place and thinking about how much I would love an entire album of my mom or dad's childhood, with stories even! What a treasure that would be.

We can easily rationalize making baby albums about our own children, they are our pride and joy and we know all the stories to journal. When they look at their own albums and read what each picture is about, they know so much about their own childhoods. I also believe it helps them remember events for longer periods of time.

Why isn't it okay for us to learn about our own stories and record them for future generations? I would not only love this about my own parents, but my in-laws and grandparents, too. It's not only good for story-telling, but I'm sure in the future, it will help with genealogy. Not to mention, it's fun to look at family resemblances. Here's my youngest daughter, who most resembles me, when she celebrated her third birthday!

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Perspectives

I have one daughter who loves scrapbooking, and another who loves photography. The latter is my 5-year old, who often takes my camera (she asks first, thank goodness) and will run around the house taking pictures. What's amazing, is her perspective. I honestly think I could fill a whole book, called "Perspectives of a 5-year old". Focus and lighting aside, I think she's got a real eye for taking interesting photos.

So I'm keeping all of these photos together, and someday I'll do something with them (or maybe have her sister put an album together!) Until then, I thought I'd share some with you. (note the self-portrait...)Enjoy!